BAT Executives Urge UK to Crack Down on Illegal e-Cigarettes

Sep.20.2024
BAT Executives Urge UK to Crack Down on Illegal e-Cigarettes
British American Tobacco (BAT) executives urge UK government to focus on tackling illegal e-cigarette sales instead of unnecessary tobacco policies.

According to a recent report by Bloomberg, executives from British American Tobacco (BAT) have stated that the UK government should focus on combating the illicit trade of e-cigarettes rather than introducing additional regulations on traditional cigarettes.


The previous Conservative government in the UK announced plans to ban the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 14 in order to create a smoke-free generation.


British American Tobacco's Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Kingsley Wheaton, cited an analysis from the company indicating that the smoking rate among young people will drop to below 5% when the UK's policy to ban the purchase of cigarettes by young people takes effect.


Whitton emphasized that the government should allocate more resources to crack down on the illegal e-cigarette market, rather than further tightening existing policies on traditional cigarettes. The company will push for licenses to be issued to e-cigarette retailers. BAT said that if enforced properly, issuing licenses will help reduce the number of minors accessing e-cigarettes.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Oklahoma DOC to allow inmates to buy nicotine vapes and pouches in 2026
Oklahoma DOC to allow inmates to buy nicotine vapes and pouches in 2026
Oklahoma’s Department of Corrections says it will begin allowing inmates to buy single-use nicotine vapes and nicotine pouches through prison canteens in 2026, framing the move as a strategy to reduce contraband-driven debts and prison violence. Officials say inmates will be barred from using personal nicotine products, the devices will be disposable and non-cartridge-based, and the program will be self-funded through inmate purchases rather than taxpayer money.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Focus on Regulation and Taxation: EVO NXT 2026 Provides Strategic Guidance for Decision-Makers
Focus on Regulation and Taxation: EVO NXT 2026 Provides Strategic Guidance for Decision-Makers
The NGP industry faces rising innovation pressure, growing consumer demand and intensifying regulatory dynamics. Sustainable growth now depends on reliable market intelligence, strong partnerships and structured dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders. On 17–18 April 2026 in Prague, EVO NXT will convene manufacturers, retailers, distributors and industry experts for strategic exchange, with this year’s conference placing regulation and taxation firmly at the center of discussion.
Mar.02
Singapore New bill would raise maximum fines to S$200,000 for sellers and S$300,000 for smugglers
Singapore New bill would raise maximum fines to S$200,000 for sellers and S$300,000 for smugglers
A bill introduced in Singapore’s Parliament on Feb. 12 proposes major increases in penalties for vaping-related offences, including higher maximum fines for users, sellers and smugglers. The draft would also rename the current Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act as the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act.
Feb.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Finland’s Ostrobothnia Police Seize Over 6,000 E-Cigarettes in Vaasa Raid, Probe Cross-Border Supply
Finland’s Ostrobothnia Police Seize Over 6,000 E-Cigarettes in Vaasa Raid, Probe Cross-Border Supply
According to a statement from Finland’s Ostrobothnia Police, officers seized more than 6,000 e-cigarettes during a home search in the Haapaniemi area of Vaasa in early January, after the case surfaced in connection with drug enforcement work.Police suspect the products were ordered from abroad for resale in Finland and were marketed and sold via Telegram.
Jan.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Brazil’s federal prosecutors sue for strict e-cigarette rules, urging regulation over a “paper ban”
Brazil’s federal prosecutors sue for strict e-cigarette rules, urging regulation over a “paper ban”
Brazil’s Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPF) has filed a public civil action seeking to compel the federal government and Anvisa to establish a strict, enforceable regulatory framework for electronic smoking devices, replacing the current blanket ban. The lawsuit calls for mandatory product registration, nicotine caps, bans on youth-targeted advertising, and clear health warnings on packaging, and demands a national consumption report and an implementation timetable within 90 days.
Jan.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Small ENDS Manufacturers Press FDA on Abuse Liability Standards as Agency Defines Pharmacological Review Framework
Small ENDS Manufacturers Press FDA on Abuse Liability Standards as Agency Defines Pharmacological Review Framework
At the third session of its PMTA roundtable, the FDA outlined its framework for assessing abuse liability in ENDS products, emphasizing the role of nicotine pharmacokinetics and product-specific data in APPH determinations. Small manufacturers questioned the high cost of clinical PK studies and the absence of defined numeric thresholds, while raising bridging strategies and PBPK modeling as potential alternatives.
Feb.11