JERSEY’S ban on single-use vapes is unlikely to significantly reduce vaping because replacement products remain just as accessible and affordable, a senior Public Health official has said.

Martin Knight, head of health improvement, said the legislation had helped reduce waste, but businesses had adapted by offering products at similar – and sometimes lower – prices.

Public Health had hoped that higher prices for replacement products would make vaping less attractive to young people. However, Mr Knight said it was “unlikely” that the Island would see any “significant health benefits” from the ban.

Around 7% of Year 10 pupils and 19% of Year 12 pupils vape more than once a week, according to figures he cited from the annual Jersey Schools and Colleges Survey, which he said was completed by around 90% of schoolchildren.

A Public Health Jersey consultation in 2024 found that 95.65% of young vapers used disposable products.

The ban on importing and supplying single-use vapes took effect on 1 August 2025. Retailers were given six months to sell existing stock imported before the law was introduced, with that period ending on 1 February this year.

States Members unanimously approved the legislation to tackle lithium battery fire hazards, plastic and heavy metal waste, and youth nicotine addiction.

Mr Knight said the ban had been “supportive” of its primary aim of reducing waste.

He explained: “We will have reduced the amount of plastic and other waste that comes from single-use vapes, but it’s clear that the sector and businesses have been able to review those regulations and make moves around them, and actually are creating products that are as easily accessible at very similar price points, and are just as easily disposable.

“But, they will still typically last longer than products did prior to that regulation being in place.”

However, Mr Knight said the availability and cost of replacement products limited the law’s likely effect on vaping rates.

“It’s certainly not going to have made any real substantial difference to the uptake of vapes by any particular age group because the products that have replaced these vapes are as easily accessible and affordable, and in some cases more affordable than the products before them,” he said.

Public Health continues to review the impact of the legislation.

Mr Knight said that although vaping was less harmful than smoking tobacco, its “long-term health harms” remained unknown and parents were “really concerned about” the issue.

Public Health Jersey launched a social media campaign aimed at young people last year, following consultation with children, parents, carers and school staff.

It has also been developing an online tool to help adults and children create personalised plans to reduce and stop vaping.