Glasgow-based wholesaler JW Filshill has launched an AI-powered programme to inform retailers on how to prepare for the upcoming ban on single-use vapes from 1 June.

From this date, retailers with single-use vapes in stock will be prohibited from selling them and must ensure these products are safely disposed of. Failure to comply could result in legal consequences, including fixed monetary penalties starting at £200. These may be reduced if paid within 28 days.

Repeat offences could lead to further enforcement, including stop notices which would prevent businesses from selling any vaping products. Larger fines and even a potential prison sentence may also be imposed.

To support retailers across the UK, regardless of the trading group they are affiliated with, JW Filshill has launched an AI bot called Vapora. Retailers can send an email to vape.questions@filshill.co.uk and receive an instant reply from the bot.

It will also enable retailers to request a list of compliant products and information on how to safely dispose of non-compliant stock.

The wholesaler had previously published a PDF guidance document designed to help retailers navigate the new regulations. This was compiled by Derek Cowan, its category manager responsible for the tobacco and vape categories.

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Simon Hannah, chief executive of Filshill, said it had a “duty” to make Vapora available to every retailer to help them understand the new legislation and the implications if they fail to adhere to it.

He said: “Derek identified early on that many retailers were apprehensive about what the single-use vapes ban would mean for them and realised that the best way to communicate what they have to do and help with that transition was to provide all the key information in one place and make it easily accessible.

“Our AI project takes that one step further and uses a less formal tone of voice to help retailers navigate the legislation.”

Hannah also said Vapora allows retailers to request insight from key Filshill and KeyStore personnel, suppliers and outside organisations, using information and advice including from public health charity Action on Smoking and Health, as well as from legislation documents.

“Everything you might want to ask about the disposable vape ban will be available by simply sending an email and asking a question,” he added.

Cowan said: “Retailers who have not yet started transitioning their stock should do so immediately, reducing the number of disposables on sale and keeping only the fastest-selling lines.

“They should start moving towards compliant, rechargeable vaping products to continue meeting consumer demand, while following upcoming legal guidelines.”

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