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

Two Malaysian Men Charged Over Illegal Import of  Vape Items at Singapore Checkpoint
Two Malaysian Men Charged Over Illegal Import of Vape Items at Singapore Checkpoint
Two Malaysian men arrested for illegally importing e-cigarettes at Woodlands Checkpoint, facing charges, court hearing on December 15. (20 words)
Nov.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
New York AG Seeks to Shut Down Vape Shops, Ban Owners from Industry
New York AG Seeks to Shut Down Vape Shops, Ban Owners from Industry
New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a petition seeking to permanently shut down two smoke shops and ban their owners from the vape industry for repeatedly selling illegal flavored vapes to minors and operating without valid licenses. The nearly 50-page complaint names Eysa Sharhan and Ahmed Mozeb and their stores — Pop-In Smoke & Vape LLC, Pufftopia LLC, and Royalty Tobacco LLC — accusing them of a “persistent pattern of illegal activity.”
Oct.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Smoore’s Q3 Revenue Hits Record High, Reflecting Structural Growth in Global HNB and E-Vapor Markets
Smoore’s Q3 Revenue Hits Record High, Reflecting Structural Growth in Global HNB and E-Vapor Markets
Smoore posted record-high Q3 2025 revenue, driven by growth in both HNB and e-vapor segments, reflecting ongoing expansion of the global next-generation tobacco industry amid compliance and structural upgrades.
Oct.12
Mexican Congress Postpones Debate on Vape and E-Cigarette Ban
Mexican Congress Postpones Debate on Vape and E-Cigarette Ban
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies has postponed the debate on a reform to the General Health Law that seeks to completely ban the sale and distribution of electronic cigarettes and vapes. Lawmaker Amancay González Franco (MC) criticized the draft for excluding tobacco heating devices, such as Philip Morris’s IQOS, arguing that these products are even more harmful according to the World Health Organization.
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Investigation | China–U.S. E-cigarette Shipping Costs Surge: Sea Freight Up Over 200%, Air Cargo Inspection Rate Exceeds 50%
2Firsts Investigation | China–U.S. E-cigarette Shipping Costs Surge: Sea Freight Up Over 200%, Air Cargo Inspection Rate Exceeds 50%
Since late July, China–U.S. e-cigarette shipping costs have surged — sea freight up over 200%, air cargo inspection rates exceeding 50%. 2Firsts investigates the key drivers behind the spike and how the industry is responding.
Oct.15
Russian Khabarovsk Officers Confiscate Illegal Vapes, Tax Evasion at $225,000
Russian Khabarovsk Officers Confiscate Illegal Vapes, Tax Evasion at $225,000
Customs officers in Khabarovsk seized nearly 13,000 illegally imported vapes worth ₽11 million. The undeclared goods evaded about $225,000 in customs duties and lacked safety and labeling certificates. The case is pending court review as Russia considers a nationwide vape sales ban.
Oct.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai