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

Fontem Drops Texas Lawsuit and Plans to Refile in D.C. Over FDA Handling of Zone Application
Fontem Drops Texas Lawsuit and Plans to Refile in D.C. Over FDA Handling of Zone Application
Fontem US, the maker and seller of Zone nicotine pouches, has voluntarily dismissed its lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which it had accused of unfairly delaying its market application.
Mar.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Panama Seeks Unified Regulation on E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products, Including Use Restrictions in Public and Private Spaces
Panama Seeks Unified Regulation on E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products, Including Use Restrictions in Public and Private Spaces
Panamanian authorities are seeking to establish a single regulatory framework aimed at prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes, vaporizers and heated tobacco products in public and private spaces, as well as restricting their advertising and promotion.
Mar.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thailand’s National Health Commission Office Reviews Two Years of E-Cigarette Control Efforts and Plans Further Recommendations
Thailand’s National Health Commission Office Reviews Two Years of E-Cigarette Control Efforts and Plans Further Recommendations
Thailand’s National Health Commission Office and partner agencies held a public policy forum on March 13 to review results from the past two years of efforts to protect children and youth from e-cigarettes and to prepare recommendations for submission to the National Health Commission.
Mar.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA and IKE Tech Hold Formal Listening Session on Youth Access and Illicit ENDS Products
FDA and IKE Tech Hold Formal Listening Session on Youth Access and Illicit ENDS Products
U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products held a formal listening session with IKE Tech LLC to discuss youth prevention at the point of use for ENDS products, the circulation of illicit products in the supply chain, and the regulatory treatment of software in tobacco products.
Apr.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Holds Second PMTA Compliance Training in Shenzhen, Highlighting U.S. Regulatory Framework and Corporate Compliance Capabilities
2Firsts Holds Second PMTA Compliance Training in Shenzhen, Highlighting U.S. Regulatory Framework and Corporate Compliance Capabilities
2Firsts held its second U.S. PMTA compliance training in Shenzhen, providing a systematic overview of the U.S. regulatory framework for e-cigarettes and corporate compliance strategies. Nearly 20 industry professionals from manufacturing, e-liquid and supply-chain companies attended. Participants who passed the exam received compliance certification. Registration for the third training session will open soon, alongside customized corporate training programs.
Mar.09
Azerbaijan Cancels E-Cigarette State Standard as Full Vape Ban Takes Effect on April 1
Azerbaijan Cancels E-Cigarette State Standard as Full Vape Ban Takes Effect on April 1
The Azerbaijan Institute of Standardization (AZSTAND) has announced the cancellation of state standard AZS 941:2023, “Electronic Cigarettes. General Technical Specifications.”Under legal amendments adopted on December 30, 2025, Azerbaijan has prohibited from April 1, 2026 the import, export, manufacture, storage, wholesale and retail sale, and use of e-cigarettes and their components.
Apr.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai