The German government is preparing to ban disposable e-cigarettes, following years of pressure from federal states and environmental groups, Tobacco Journal reports. The plan was confirmed by Rita Schwarzelühr-Sutter, State Secretary in the Federal Environment Ministry, during a Bundesrat session on 21 November.

Calls for action have grown as concerns mount over waste and fire hazards. An estimated 60 million disposable vapes are used in Germany each year, and industry data indicates around 30 fires daily in waste collection vehicles and sorting facilities—roughly 80% linked to improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries.

The Federal Association of German Waste Management (BDE) and Environmental Action Germany (DUH) are urging the government to enact the ban quickly, citing risks to public health and safety, particularly for children and adolescents. DUH stressed that further delays would be unacceptable.

The government has not yet decided which legal pathway to use for the ban, which could require amendments to either the Tobacco Products Regulation or the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act. As seen with similar bans in France and Belgium, the measure will also need approval from the European Commission.