UKVIA slams disposable vape ban, warns of black market surge and smoking relapse

As the UK’s ban on disposable vapes officially comes into force, the director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has raised alarm over the potential public health consequences and the rise of an illicit vape market.

John Dunne, director general of the UKVIA, criticised the government’s move, arguing that “bans are not the answer to the issues linked to the vaping industry, but enforcement of the laws that are already in place to protect children and the environment.”

Dunne noted that disposable vapes have been a crucial tool in reducing smoking rates among adults. “Disposables have played a huge role in reducing smoking levels amongst adults to record low levels, a fact acknowledged by the Office of National Statistics,” he said.

In the days leading up to the ban, there have been widespread reports of consumers stockpiling disposable vapes. Dunne noted that “significant numbers of disposable users will seek them out post the ban despite it being illegal for retailers to sell them.”

He warned that the ban could backfire, driving former smokers back to cigarettes and fuelling a black market in unregulated vaping products. “We are now extremely concerned about the consequences of this ban, including vapers returning to smoking and the growth in the sale of black market products, which pose a significant risk to those buying them. One study has estimated that some 1 million vapers could return to smoking as a result of the ban, which would be a public health disaster.”

In response to growing concerns around youth vaping and illegal vape sales, the UKVIA has proposed a licensing scheme for vape retailers and distributors. “Our ongoing concern with regards to illicit vapes and youth vaping is the reason why we, as an industry, have developed a proposal for a vape retailer and distributor licensing scheme, which we are pleased to see the government is actively considering as part of the Tobacco & Vapes Bill,” Dunne said.

Despite the challenges, Dunne praised the vaping industry’s rapid adaptation to the new regulations. “The industry has once again demonstrated its agility and innovative capability to bring in new product lines and are to be commended as to how swiftly they have moved to make the transition as seamless as possible.”

Issuing a direct appeal to vapers, Dunne urged users not to return to smoking. “If you’re a current vaper who is now thinking about going back to smoking due to the ban, please think very hard about your decision as this would be the worst step to take health-wise. Never forget all the hard effort you put in to wean yourself off conventional cigarettes using vapes.”

He encouraged vapers to consider alternatives now entering the market. “Instead take advice and consider the new refillable and pre-filled pod vapes that more manufacturers are bringing to the market with an emphasis on ease-of use, so the experience goes a long way to matching the convenience of disposables.”

The UK government has argued that the ban on disposable vapes is necessary to curb environmental harm and reduce youth access to nicotine products. However, as the new law takes effect, the debate over its real-world consequences appears far from over.