UK Study Reveals: 40% of Users May Turn to Black Market Due to Ban, 26% Switch to Nicotine Pouches

Sep.30.2024
UK Study Reveals: 40% of Users May Turn to Black Market Due to Ban, 26% Switch to Nicotine Pouches
Upcoming UK E-cigarette ban prompts concern over users turning to unregulated products, study shows.

A recent study conducted by OnePoll.com for nicotine pouch brand Übbs and retailer Haypp reveals significant insights into e-cigarette users’ attitudes and behaviors ahead of new UK legislation expected in 2025. The survey, which included 1,020 e-cigarette users, found that 39% might purchase e-cigarettes from unregulated sources not subjected to official safety checks.

 

Additionally, the research uncovered that a third of the respondents anticipate an increase in their nicotine consumption. However, 22% view the impending laws as a catalyst for quitting their e-cigarette habit. Übbs commissioned the study to align with the UK government's commitment to achieving a "smoke-free Britain."

 

The forthcoming legislation aims to restrict the sale and usage of disposable e-cigarettes. Following the announcement of this ban, 24% of participants have attempted to quit e-cigarettes, while 26% have switched to alternatives such as traditional cigarettes (36%), nicotine pouches (26%), and gum (25%). Alarmingly, 85% of respondents had smoked cigarettes before switching to e-cigarettes, with 52% fearing a return to smoking once the ban is enforced.

 

Übbs spokesperson Steve McGeough expressed concern over the possibility of users reverting to smoking or purchasing unsafe, unregulated e-cigarettes. He emphasized the need for accessible, safe, and regulated alternatives like nicotine pouches to support the country’s smoke-free objectives.

 

Despite the availability of alternatives, 73% of e-cigarette users have not tried them. Among those who have, 28% prefer cigarettes, 21% are open to gum, and 25% favor nicotine pouches. Moreover, 30% of users are aware of the dangers associated with unregulated e-cigarettes, with common indicators being the absence of nicotine warning labels (41%) and emissions testing information (30%).

 

When considering alternatives, 52% prioritize the product's flavor and smell, followed by safety and quality (50%), and discretion (33%). Common frustrations with e-cigarettes include battery depletion (32%), restricted usage in specific locations (30%), and missing social interactions due to smoking breaks (23%).

 

Markus Lindbald, Haypp's spokesperson, highlighted the positive trend of users seeking safer alternatives like nicotine pouches before the ban’s implementation, suggesting such products could significantly contribute to lowering smoking rates and improving public health.


Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

Philip Morris International Announces IQOS and Devialet Collaboration at Milan Design Week 2026
Philip Morris International Announces IQOS and Devialet Collaboration at Milan Design Week 2026
Philip Morris International announced on April 20 that IQOS has partnered with French acoustic engineering company Devialet to launch “Soundsorial Design” at Milan Design Week 2026. The collaboration includes an immersive exhibition and a limited-edition product set named “Soundsorial.” The exhibition will run from April 20 to April 27 at Opificio 31 in Milan.
Apr.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea Set to Enforce Liquid Vape Ban in Smoke-Free Areas, but Welfare Ministry Abruptly Adds Two-Month Guidance Period
South Korea Set to Enforce Liquid Vape Ban in Smoke-Free Areas, but Welfare Ministry Abruptly Adds Two-Month Guidance Period
Local governments across South Korea recently issued press releases saying they would intensively crack down on the use of liquid e-cigarettes in smoke-free areas. Since the revised Tobacco Business Act, passed in December last year, included liquid e-cigarettes within the definition of tobacco and took effect on April 24, local authorities had prepared to begin enforcement immediately.
Apr.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ispire Reports Fiscal Q3 2026 Revenue of $18.7 Million and Net Loss of $9.5 Million
Ispire Reports Fiscal Q3 2026 Revenue of $18.7 Million and Net Loss of $9.5 Million
Ispire Technology reported financial results on May 7, 2026, for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, covering the three months ended March 31, 2026. Revenue was $18.7 million, compared with $26.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 and $20.3 million in the prior quarter. Gross profit was $2.0 million, with gross margin of 10.7%. Net loss was $9.5 million, or $0.17 per share. The company said it held $18.0 million in cash as of March 31, 2026, up $468,000 sequentially.
May.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Indonesian Health Ministry Says New Vape Rules Will Cover Age Limits, Advertising, and Product Standards
Indonesian Health Ministry Says New Vape Rules Will Cover Age Limits, Advertising, and Product Standards
Indonesia’s Ministry of Health is preparing to implement regulations on electronic cigarettes, as provided for in Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024. The ministry said e-cigarettes will be regulated under provisions equivalent to those applied to conventional cigarettes, including age restrictions, advertising controls, product content standards, pictorial health warnings, and bans on use in smoke-free areas.
Apr.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea Moves Against Synthetic Nicotine Regulatory Gap as Three Companies Face Tobacco Business Act Probe
South Korea Moves Against Synthetic Nicotine Regulatory Gap as Three Companies Face Tobacco Business Act Probe
South Korea’s Ministry of Finance and Economy said on May 4 that it requested the Daejeon Metropolitan Police Agency and Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency to investigate three sales companies on suspicion of violating the Tobacco Business Act.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Belgium Approves Vape Flavor Ban, Allowing Only Tobacco-Flavored and Unflavored Products From September 2028
Belgium Approves Vape Flavor Ban, Allowing Only Tobacco-Flavored and Unflavored Products From September 2028
Belgium’s federal government on Thursday approved a ban on flavored vapes, allowing only tobacco-flavored and unflavored e-cigarettes on the market from September 2028. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke said the measure is aimed at protecting the health of children and young people and preventing a new generation from becoming dependent on tobacco.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai