2023 saw the highest number of Google searches for ‘disposable vapes’ since records began in 2004.
Recent news on a future ban on certain disposable vapes and a range of flavoured vaping products has caused somewhat of a stir.
This move, aligning with ongoing global efforts to regulate vaping, has sparked a wave of confusion and concern among users and retailers.
As public interest in disposable vapes reaches an all-time high, industry expert David Skopinski from GoSmokeFree.co.uk offers insights into what the upcoming ban will mean for vapers and the vaping industry.
“Many vapers will be confused as to whether the ban is immediate for disposable vapes or in the future. A lot of disposable vape users will stockpile supplies of their favourite products and flavours closer to the actual ban date, as this is exactly what had occurred when TPD regulations were coming into force (regulations that went into effect 19 May 2014 and banned the selling of flavoured cigarettes in UK and EU markets.)
“Many retailers are already unsure of their position regarding disposable vapes, particularly the convenience retailers. There will be a lot of retailers decreasing their stock volumes to limit their exposure to possibly being unable to sell stock due to a ban.
“Vaping businesses such as GoSmokeFree.co.uk will continue to advocate for refillable, reusable devices that have less harmful effects on the environment rather than single-use harmful devices for its adult users.
“Our concern, along with most people in the niche, is that hopefully, this ban does not fuel the black market for such devices, meaning more unregulated and unsafe products being available to minors and adults alike.
“The supply of illegal or prohibited products by retailers should be heavily fined (coupled with the closure of business for persistent offenders), and policing of the law regarding this needs to be much more thorough and widespread as it is very poorly monitored presently.”
According to a recent Department for Education announcement, “trading standards officers will have the power to issue an ‘on the spot’ fine of up to £100 when they spot the sale of tobacco and vapes to children in England and Wales.”
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