UKVIA Warns Disposable Vape Ban Could Trigger Rise in Illegal Vapes 

The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has released a critical new statement warning that the UK government’s ban on disposable vapes could backfire—by fueling a surge in illegal vape sales and pushing ex-smokers back toward traditional cigarettes. The organisation cautions that while the ban aims to curb youth vaping and reduce environmental waste, it may have significant unintended consequences that could undermine public health gains made over the past decade. 

As of June 2025, the UK has implemented a nationwide ban on single-use disposable vapes, primarily in response to growing concerns over youth access and the environmental impact of these products. While UKVIA acknowledges the need to address underage vaping and sustainability, it argues that an outright ban on disposable vapes risks doing more harm than good. 

In its latest statement, UKVIA warns that the prohibition could create a vacuum that will be filled by unregulated and potentially dangerous black market products. These illicit vapes often bypass safety standards and age restrictions, putting both minors and adult consumers at risk. The association believes that a thriving black market is already emerging in anticipation of the ban, driven by both demand from youth and a lack of enforcement resources among trading standards authorities. 

More alarmingly, UKVIA highlights the risk of a smoking resurgence. According to the association, millions of adults successfully quit smoking by switching to disposable vapes, which provided a simple, accessible alternative to combustible tobacco. Without a convenient and legal option to replace their vaping habit, many of these former smokers may find themselves returning to cigarettes—a move that would reverse years of progress in smoking cessation. 

John Dunne, Director General of UKVIA, stated: 

“We understand the intent behind the disposable vape ban, but bans are not the answer. We risk driving consumers into the hands of illegal sellers and creating a public health disaster if vapers return to smoking.” 

Dunne pointed to recent industry data indicating that up to one million vapers in the UK could relapse into smoking following the ban. The association warns that the government’s decision fails to recognise the vital role disposable vapes have played in reducing the UK’s smoking rate, especially among working-class communities and those less inclined to switch to more complex refillable systems. 

In addition to these health concerns, UKVIA also fears that the disposable vape ban could exacerbate youth vaping by pushing younger users toward more discreet or unregulated alternatives that evade detection and control. The association notes that lookalike reusable vapes that closely resemble banned disposables are already flooding the market, undermining the very goal of the legislation. 

Rather than banning products outright, UKVIA is calling for a more measured and effective regulatory approach. This includes the introduction of a national vape retailer and distributor licensing scheme, which would enable local authorities to better monitor and enforce age restrictions, while cracking down on non-compliant sellers. The association believes this system could also generate funding for under-resourced trading standards teams, giving them the tools needed to tackle illicit vape distribution. 

UKVIA is urging the government to prioritise education, enforcement, and responsible regulation over prohibition. It also encourages current disposable vape users not to return to smoking, but to transition to legal, refillable vape products or pre-filled pod systems that offer a similar level of convenience without the downsides of disposables. 

This statement from UKVIA comes at a crucial time, as the UK’s public health and harm reduction policies face growing scrutiny. With youth vaping rates on the rise and environmental concerns at the forefront, finding a balanced solution that protects both young people and adult ex-smokers is essential. 

In conclusion, while the disposable vape ban aims to address serious issues, UKVIA warns that the policy could inadvertently ignite a rise in illegal vaping products, encourage smoking relapses, and fail to stop youth access. The association calls on the government to reconsider its approach and work collaboratively with industry leaders to create a safer, more sustainable vaping future. 

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