Trade body welcomes action on online marketplace waste compliance for vape products

A leading trade association has strongly welcomed the announcement that overseas online marketplaces must now pay their share of electrical waste disposal costs, particularly highlighting its impact on the growing vaping sector.

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), which represents 6,000 independent retailers across the UK, says the extension of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations will finally create a level playing field between high street and online sellers.

The UK government has on Tuesday announced new regulations requiring online marketplaces and vape producers to contribute to the recycling of waste electricals, including vapes.

“This marks a significant step towards fairer retail competition,” Andrew Goodacre, Bira chief executive, said.

“The regulation of online marketplaces for WEEE compliance has been a particular concern in the vaping sector, where we’ve seen a surge in online sales without corresponding waste management responsibilities. These new rules will ensure all sellers contribute to the environmental costs of their products.”

The WEEE directive, which covers all items requiring batteries, solar energy, or electrical current to operate, will now require online retailers to cover disposal costs for products they place on the market. This brings them in line with existing requirements for high street retailers who have long managed these responsibilities.

Jeff Moody, commercial director of Retra, Bira’s specialist electrical retail division, added: “The vaping industry exemplifies why these regulations are needed. High street retailers have managed disposal responsibilities while online sellers haven’t faced the same obligations. This has created an unfair advantage for online marketplaces, particularly with products like vapes that have significant environmental impact.”

The directive, first introduced in 2002 and updated in 2012, places responsibilities on all producers – including manufacturers, importers, distant-sellers, distributors and retailers. These regulations ensure proper disposal and recycling of everything from large household appliances to small electronics, including the growing category of vaping products.

“As part of the Bira group, Retra has long advocated for equal treatment between online and physical retailers,” Moody said. “This announcement marks a significant victory for independent retailers who have consistently met their environmental obligations while competing with online sellers operating under different rules.”