Vape advocates have expressed their concerns after the UK government recently announced the official date disposable vapes would be banned across the nation.
First announced by the previous Conservative government before a snap general election, the new Labour government has carried over the ban in a bid to reduce youth vaping and protect the environment.
On October 24, the government announced that the ban on the sale and supply of single-use vapes will come into force on June 1, 2025 in England and Wales, with Scotland also pushing back their ban on disposables to align with England.
Studies have shown that vaping has played a huge part in driving down smoking rates amongst adults to the lowest levels on record in recent years, with disposable vapes contributing to the drop.
Research released earlier this year from UCL and King’s College London also showed that banning disposable vapes could stall progress in reducing smoking rates.
Many industry advocates have criticised the ban, including the World Vapers Alliance (WVA), who have called it ‘misguided’.
Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, stated:
“Labour’s plan to ban disposable vapes is a reckless attack on harm reduction. This decision will hurt those who need help the most—current smokers looking for safer alternatives.
“By driving disposable vapes off the shelves, the government is handing the market over to illegal actors. It’s shocking that a Labour government, claiming to stand for the working class, is pushing a policy that will hit the poor hardest and make it harder for them to quit smoking.”
The UK’s leading vaping trade association, the UKVIA, has also warned policy makers that they have to “strike the right balance” between tightening regulations and ensuring that it does not deter smokers from using a safer alternative to quit smoking.
John Dunne, Director General of the UKVIA, said:
“We recognise that disposable vapes have divided opinion, but their accessibility and convenience, particularly amongst low income groups who are the most prevalent smokers, should not be forgotten and highlights the careful balancing act required in future legislation.
“We have not shied away from the fact that the environmental impact and youth vaping challenges associated with disposables need to be addressed head on. Also, this announcement does nothing to stop the import of disposable vapes which means there is a ready supply entering the country which will make their way onto the black market.
“Bans are not the answer as we’ve seen in other parts of the world, such as Australia, as they will only boost the black market which will pose significant risks to young people and the environment.”
Recent Freedom of Information requests sent to Trading Standards, the Environmental Agency and Office for Product Safety and Standards shows a lack of enforcement in terms of the penalties and prosecutions.
John Dunne added:
“What’s needed is greater enforcement of current laws in place which make it a legal requirement for vape traders not to sell to children under the age of 18 and to comply with environmental legislation such as the WEEE regulations.”
Businesses will have until June 1, 2025 to sell any remaining stock they hold and prepare for the ban coming into force.
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