Key Points:
- The UK Trading Standard Agency seized an increased quantity of illegal e-cigarettes from 2023 to 2024, with a 59% rise totaling 1.2 million illegal e-cigarettes confiscated.
- A survey conducted by e-cigarette retailer Haypp has found that nearly one-third of e-cigarette users are willing to purchase illegal e-cigarettes, with men being more likely to do so than women. Men between the ages of 35-54 have a higher willingness to purchase illegal e-cigarettes compared to other demographics.
- A ban on disposable e-cigarettes could potentially fuel a new black market, prompting Haypp to call for increased consumer education to prevent health risks.
According to Retailtimes on March 25th, the number of illegal e-cigarettes in the UK has surged, with the Trading Standard agency announcing a 59% increase in the amount seized from 2023 to 2024. This has led to the confiscation of 1.2 million illegal e-cigarettes. The ban on disposable e-cigarettes, which comes into effect on June 1st this year, is expected to result in a sharp increase in demand for black market e-cigarettes.
Researchers from the e-cigarette retailer Haypp conducted a survey of over 500 e-cigarette users across the UK and found that nearly one-third (32%) admitted they would be willing to purchase illegal e-cigarettes.
Haypp's foreign affairs manager, Markus Lindblad, stated that,
“These numbers are quite concerning. Unfortunately, the upcoming ban on disposable e-cigarettes is likely to create a new black market for these products, with nearly a third of UK e-cigarette users saying they would be willing to purchase illegal e-cigarettes. This poses a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies and potentially puts consumers at risk.”
Survey data indicates that men are more likely than women to purchase e-cigarettes on the black market. 38% of men surveyed expressed willingness to buy illegal e-cigarettes, compared to 19% of women. Men aged 35-54 are three times more likely to purchase illegal e-cigarettes compared to those aged 18-34.
Only 64% of e-cigarette users in the UK believe they can identify illegal e-cigarettes.
Lindblad summarized,
“Currently, there are approximately 5.6 million e-cigarette users in the UK. If nearly one-third of users are willing to purchase illegal e-cigarettes, this could pose serious health risks to consumers. Before the ban takes effect, it is crucial to strengthen consumer education to prevent large numbers of people from being exposed to potentially dangerous products.”
Notice
1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.
2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.
Copyright
This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.
This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.
