Over 60 per cent of disposable vapers may go underground after ban, survey finds
May 10, 2025
Illegal disposable vapes seized in Walsall (Photo: Walsall Council)
More than 60 per cent of disposable vape users are considering turning to the black market following the planned single-use vape ban from 1 June, a new survey has revealed.
Commissioned by Evapo, the findings highlight a significant unintended consequence of the proposed legislation, raising concerns about public health and smoking cessation efforts as the government also plans a substantial tax hike on vaping products.
The survey has shed light on the desire for cheaper alternatives, with nearly 30 per cent of respondents suggesting that rising costs could lead them back to traditional smoking. Meanwhile, 27 per cent expressed intentions to find counterfeit or untaxed products as a means to avoid increased expenses.
Notably, 44 per cent of respondents fear that these tax hikes could not only drive vapers back to smoking but could also deter current smokers from attempting to quit.
Despite the concerns raised over youth access, the survey findings reiterate the crucial role vaping plays in helping smokers quit, with two in three (67%) disposable vape users claiming that these products aided them in completely quitting smoking.
Moreover, an impressive 93 per cent of all vapers surveyed indicated that vaping contributed positively to their cessation efforts.
Over a quarter of (27%) of vapers indicated a plan to stockpile their supplies ahead of the ban. Evapo said this behaviour not only reflects a clear demand but also foreshadows a potential shift toward underground markets, mirroring international trends seen in countries like Australia and the US where bans and taxation have resulted in illicit sales spikes.
“These findings highlight a very real unintended consequence,” Andrej Kuttruf, chief executive of Evapo, said, as he called for balanced regulations that support responsible adult vaping while ensuring access to safer alternatives
Kuttruf also advocated for education and well-structured policies that mitigate the adverse effects on smoking cessation, rather than resulting in a resurgence of traditional smoking.
