Blog Details

New vape category (15)

E-cigarettes and vaping products now have their own dedicated WEEE category. Previously included within a category for toys, leisure and sports equipment, these items will now be reported and collected separately under the WEEE framework.

Category 15 covers disposable e-cigarettes, rechargeable vaping devices, vape pods, cartridges and associated charging equipment. The separation from other small WEEE streams allows for more targeted collection and treatment processes, recognising these products’ unique composition and disposal requirements.

Collection and treatment requirements for Category 15 products focus on battery recovery and proper handling of liquid residues, requiring specialised facilities and processes.

Timeline and critical deadlines

Understanding the implementation timeline is crucial for compliance planning:

• 12th August 2025: Amendment now in effect – online marketplaces must collect data so that they can report all household electricals from non-UK suppliers
• 15th November 2025: Registration deadline for online marketplaces not previously registered with Producer Compliance Schemes
• January 2026: Additional WEEE costs for marketplaces commence
• 31st March 2026: Obligations issued to compliance schemes based on 2025 placed on market data of their members

Missing upcoming deadlines will result in immediate non-compliance issues. With the regulations now active, immediate preparation is essential.

Compliance requirements for operators of online marketplaces

Online marketplace operators now face several immediate obligations:

• Immediate data collection: As of 12^th August 2025, operators must record the type and weight of all household electrical products placed on the UK market via their marketplace by non-UK sellers.
• Data methodology: Developing robust systems for calculating and reporting data from non-UK suppliers, including product quantities and categories.
• Registration: If not already registered, operators must join an authorised Producer Compliance Scheme by November 15, 2025 who will register them with the relevant environment agency. They must also provide detailed information about the method they are using to record and report their data.
• Reporting requirements: Submitting quarterly reports via their compliance scheme.
• Financial obligations: From January 2026, meeting financial responsibilities based on their data reported for 2025.

Compliance requirements for vape producers

Businesses involved in vape production or importation must:

• Immediate data collection: As of August 12^th, vapes placed on the market must be reported according to the new category classification.
• Reporting requirements: Submitting quarterly reports in the new format via their compliance scheme.

Practical steps to take

Determine whether your operations fall under the new requirements by reviewing your business model, supply chains and product categories. You must also evaluate current data collection and reporting systems to identify gaps and necessary upgrades. If you haven’t already, implement robust tracking systems for monitoring non-UK supplier activities or vape product flows.