Study Finds Concerning Trends Among E-cigarette Users in UK

Sep.30.2024
Study Finds Concerning Trends Among E-cigarette Users in UK
A study of 1,020 e-cigarette users found 39% may buy from unregulated sources, raising concerns about safety.

According to a report by Internewscast on September 29th, a study conducted on 1,020 e-cigarette users found that 39% of them admitted that they may purchase e-cigarettes from unregulated channels that have not been officially safety-checked.


The research results also show that one-third of the respondents believe that their nicotine consumption will increase. However, 22% of people believe that the upcoming law will motivate them to quit their e-cigarette habit.


A study commissioned by the nicotine pouch brand Übbs and retailer Haypp, carried out by OnePoll.com, aimed to respond to the UK government's commitment to achieve a "smoke-free Britain". Earlier this year, the UK government announced legislation that will restrict the sale and use of disposable e-cigarettes by 2025.


According to the survey, since the ban on e-cigarettes was announced, 24% of respondents have attempted to quit using them. 26% of respondents have switched to other alternatives, such as traditional cigarettes (36%), nicotine pouches (26%), and gum (25%).


The study also found that 85% of the respondents had smoked before switching to e-cigarettes, with 52% of them expressing concern about reverting to smoking habits after the ban is implemented.


The spokesperson for the Übbs brand, Steve McGeough, stated that,


Hearing e-cigarette users say they will seriously consider switching to smoking after the ban is implemented is really concerning. Additionally, research also shows that some people may even seek unregulated e-cigarettes, which is very worrying in terms of quality and safety. Our research suggests that while disposable e-cigarettes may be gradually phased out, there are still many safe and regulated alternatives available now or when the ban comes into effect. Nicotine pouches are a popular choice, providing support for the UK's goal to become a smoke-free nation.


The study also found that 73% of e-cigarette users have not tried any e-cigarette alternatives. However, among them, 28% are most likely to try traditional cigarettes, 21% are willing to try gum, and 25% are open to trying nicotine pouches.


Additionally, 30% of respondents are "very aware" of the risks of using unregulated e-cigarettes. The most familiar features of such devices among respondents include the lack of nicotine warning labels (41%) and the absence of emissions testing information (30%). When looking for alternatives, 52% of people prioritize the smell and taste of the product, followed by considerations of safety and quality assurance (50%), and the product's discreteness (33%). 30% of individuals prefer products that are "readily available," while 24% believe that open system e-cigarettes are too complicated.


The study also revealed that running out of battery is the most annoying thing when using e-cigarettes (32%), followed by not being able to use them freely anytime and anywhere (30%). Another major concern is having to leave social gatherings to smoke and missing out on time with friends (23%), and the issue of not being able to use e-cigarettes on airplanes (21%).


Haypp spokesperson Markus Lindbald stated,


From a positive perspective, it is a good phenomenon that before the ban is implemented, so many people are trying to quit e-cigarettes or explore other low-risk alternatives, such as nicotine pouches, instead of turning back to smoking. Based on the nearly smokeless experience in Sweden, nicotine pouches can play an important role in reducing smoking rates and improving public and personal health.


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

Malaysia's Poisons Board Backs New Vape Nicotine Exemption After Unanimously Opposing 2023 Proposal
Malaysia's Poisons Board Backs New Vape Nicotine Exemption After Unanimously Opposing 2023 Proposal
Malaysia's Poisons Board has endorsed Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad's proposal to exempt liquid nicotine used in vaping products from the Poisons List, according to a November 2, 2026, report by CodeBlue. The Board unanimously opposed a similar proposal in 2023, but the government proceeded with the exemption. The Kuala Lumpur High Court invalidated the 2023 decision in May 2026, and the government withdrew its appeal in August. No new ministerial order has been published. The development raises questions about the interaction between Malaysia's two regulatory frameworks and the treatment of RM354.51 million in excise duties collected on e-cigarette and vape products between May 2023 and June 11, 2026.
Regulations
Nov.03
Huabao International Buys Indonesian HNB Manufacturer for RMB 90 Million, Adding OEM/ODM Capacity
Huabao International Buys Indonesian HNB Manufacturer for RMB 90 Million, Adding OEM/ODM Capacity
Huabao International Holdings Limited will acquire 100% of PT Broad Far Indonesia through two wholly owned subsidiaries for approximately RMB 90 million. The Indonesian company manufactures and sells heat-not-burn tobacco sticks and provides OEM/ODM services. The sellers are part of a related-party group controlled by Huabao International Chair and controlling shareholder Zhu Linyao. PT Broad Far Indonesia generated $4.37 million in revenue and $177,000 in profit after tax in the first half of 2026, while net assets stood at about $326,000 at June-end. An independent valuer assessed the company’s equity at approximately RMB 93.06 million. Following completion, the HNB manufacturing operation will be consolidated into Huabao International.
News
Sep.29 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Russia's Vape Ban Decisions Reach 17 Regions With 39 More Considering Laws, Putting Over 3,000 St. Petersburg Retail Outlets in Focus
Russia's Vape Ban Decisions Reach 17 Regions With 39 More Considering Laws, Putting Over 3,000 St. Petersburg Retail Outlets in Focus
Russia's regional vape retail restrictions are expanding. State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said on November 7 that 17 regions had adopted decisions to ban vape sales, while another 39 were preparing or considering similar legislation. On November 12, lawmakers in Leningrad Oblast and the Republic of Karelia adopted bans scheduled to begin on March 1, 2027. A day earlier, St. Petersburg unanimously approved a five-year ban proposal in its first reading. The city has 615 specialist vape shops and more than 2,400 other retail outlets selling vaping products alongside other goods. Under Federal Law No. 186-FZ, enacted in June 2026, Russian regions may prohibit retail sales of electronic nicotine delivery systems and related liquids between March 2027 and March 2032. The legislation also restricts licensed suppliers from delivering covered products to retail premises in regions where bans apply.
Regulations
Nov.13
US ITC Judge Finds Glas Infringed Two JUUL Vape Patents, Recommends Restrictions on Related Imports——Glas Received FDA Marketing Authorization for Four Vape Pods in May 2026; Proposed Restrictions Remain Under Commission Review
US ITC Judge Finds Glas Infringed Two JUUL Vape Patents, Recommends Restrictions on Related Imports——Glas Received FDA Marketing Authorization for Four Vape Pods in May 2026; Proposed Restrictions Remain Under Commission Review
A U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) administrative law judge issued an initial determination on October 20, 2026, finding that certain Glas vaping devices, cartridges and components infringed 12 claims across two patents asserted by JUUL, constituting a violation of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. The judge recommended a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order against the Glas respondents. Five months earlier, the FDA authorized four Glas e-cigarette pods, including mango, blueberry and two menthol variants. The patent investigation concerns device and cartridge structures and is separate from FDA premarket review. The proposed import restrictions have not become final, and their product-level scope remains unresolved.
company
Nov.05
Product | Philip Morris Launches TEREA Bold Red and Bold Black in Germany With Level-10 Tobacco Intensity at €8 per Pack
Product | Philip Morris Launches TEREA Bold Red and Bold Black in Germany With Level-10 Tobacco Intensity at €8 per Pack
Philip Morris International (PMI) introduced TEREA Bold Red and Bold Black heated tobacco sticks in Germany in October 2026, both carrying a brand-rated tobacco-flavor intensity of 10, the highest level in the country's TEREA portfolio. Bold Red features leather and warm woody notes, while Bold Black combines woody and subtle floral notes. Both are sold in 20-stick packs at €8, approximately 2.6% above standard TEREA products. Germany's TEREA range now includes 11 flavor variants, alongside a separate 26-stick XL format priced at €10. IQOS Germany announced the new products on October 12, followed by a phased retail rollout from late October and an IQOS Club campaign running through December.
product
Nov.02
U.S. Judge Stays Helix, NJOY Challenge to FDA PMTA Rule Pending New Rulemaking Court Stays Altria's Helix, NJOY Challenge to PMTA Rule as FDA Prepares New Rulemaking
U.S. Judge Stays Helix, NJOY Challenge to FDA PMTA Rule Pending New Rulemaking Court Stays Altria's Helix, NJOY Challenge to PMTA Rule as FDA Prepares New Rulemaking
A federal judge in Texas on Oct. 8 granted a joint request by the FDA and plaintiffs including Altria subsidiaries Helix Innovations and NJOY to stay litigation challenging the agency's 2021 PMTA rule. The court cited FDA's anticipated rulemaking concerning the regulation at issue. FDA announced on Sept. 28 that it intends to reassess the PMTA framework and could initiate new rulemaking to replace it. The parties must file a joint status report within 45 days and every 45 days thereafter. A motion by three Reynolds American companies to intervene remains pending.
Regulations
Oct.10