UK Allows Prescription of E-Cigarettes to Smokers

Aug.21.2022
UK Allows Prescription of E-Cigarettes to Smokers
The UK will require a prescription for approved e-cigarette products, making it easier for e-cigarette companies to apply for medical licenses.

The guide, released in October by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, states that any approved e-cigarette products will be available only on prescription from a doctor. "Whether it's the Covid-19 vaccine we've rolled out or the innovative public health measures we've taken to reduce the risk of serious illness, this country remains a global leader in healthcare," said Health Secretary Sajid Javid.


The Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) has welcomed these changes, which primarily involve "quality standards for dose uniformity, requirements for non-clinical toxicology data, and the design of clinical pharmacokinetic studies." IBVTA hopes that these updates, which reflect changes in the regulatory environment post-Brexit, will make it easier for e-cigarette companies to apply for medicinal licenses, a standard that was previously difficult to achieve.


The NHS is now able to prescribe e-cigarettes to smokers who wish to quit, making England a leader in the movement to reduce the harm caused by tobacco. Javid believes that England's wealthiest citizens live much longer than their less fortunate counterparts because they have access to harm reduction products, which is a matter of "moral outrage.


As a result, he plans to announce further measures to address the root cause of this disparity, believed to include promoting an "e-cigarette revolution" that encourages general practitioners to prescribe e-cigarettes.


The gradual e-cigarette policy in the United Kingdom.


The World Vapers Alliance (WVA) and WeVape have recently praised the British government for embracing science in reducing tobacco harm. While the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to wage war on electronic cigarettes and other safer nicotine alternatives through campaigns and similar initiatives, Britain has maintained its position through its progressive e-cigarette policy. As such, these groups have commended the British approach and are calling on British authorities to urge the WHO to change its stance.


The United Kingdom is leading the world in reducing harm and providing a great example for effective smoking cessation through electronic cigarettes in other regions. Our government has chosen a scientifically supported and proven path. Prior to the November World Health Organization conference, WeVape director Mark Oates says the UK needs to strengthen its commitment to e-cigarettes and encourage other countries to do the same.


Statement


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended for industry exchange and learning purposes.


The views expressed in this article are not those of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of the article's contents. The translation of this article is intended solely for industry communication and research purposes.


Due to limitations in the level of translation, the translated article may not fully convey the same meaning as the original. Please refer to the original article for accuracy.


2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government in regards to any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or foreign related statements and positions.


The copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and authors. If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Singapore Health Minister Ong Ye Kung receives SEATCA award for tobacco control and anti-vaping push
Singapore Health Minister Ong Ye Kung receives SEATCA award for tobacco control and anti-vaping push
SEATCA has honoured Singapore Health Minister Ong Ye Kung with its inaugural Trailblazer Award, citing Singapore’s long-standing vaping ban, stepped-up enforcement and regulatory measures, and the city-state’s role in sharing tobacco-control policy experience across ASEAN.
Feb.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts’ Nine Global Turning Points: How 2025 Reshaped the Nicotine Industry
2Firsts’ Nine Global Turning Points: How 2025 Reshaped the Nicotine Industry
In 2025, the global nicotine industry reached a critical turning point. Regulatory realignment, category shifts, capital repositioning and technological intervention unfolded in parallel, loosening old structures while new ones took shape. 2Firsts reviews nine pivotal events that reshaped the industry’s trajectory.
Jan.14
UK reminds vaping firms to apply for new excise duty registration from April 2026
UK reminds vaping firms to apply for new excise duty registration from April 2026
HMRC has issued a reminder urging vaping manufacturers, importers and warehouse operators to prepare for registration under the UK’s new Vaping Products Duty, with applications opening in April 2026 and the duty taking effect in October.
Feb.10
UK, Jersey and Guernsey to Ban Disposable Vapes From Jan. 31 as Island Sell-Through Window Closes
UK, Jersey and Guernsey to Ban Disposable Vapes From Jan. 31 as Island Sell-Through Window Closes
Jersey and Guernsey will enforce a full ban on disposable vapes from Saturday, 31 January 2026, making it illegal for shops to sell them after close of business. Online purchases shipped into the islands will also be targeted, with Guernsey’s Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink saying Customs will conduct checks and can seize imported disposables. Refillable vapes are not covered by the ban.
Jan.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Disposable Vape Ban Fallout: Convenience Vape Units Down 20.8%, Retailers Hit by a “Triple Whammy,” Talysis Says
UK Disposable Vape Ban Fallout: Convenience Vape Units Down 20.8%, Retailers Hit by a “Triple Whammy,” Talysis Says
UK convenience insight agency Talysis says vape unit sales in convenience stores have fallen 20.8% and value sales 12.7% nearly eight months after the disposable vape ban took effect.
Jan.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Surrey councillor calls for tougher vape sales controls, seeking the “most restrictive legally supportable” package
Surrey councillor calls for tougher vape sales controls, seeking the “most restrictive legally supportable” package
Surrey Councillor Gordon Hepner presented a notice of motion calling on council to “wage war on vaping” by strengthening controls on the sale of vaping products in the city, citing vaping as a “serious health concern,” especially among youth. Hepner said the motion directs staff to bring back the “most restrictive legally supportable” package from the City’s 2019 bylaw work to materially reduce where and how vape products can be sold, including licensing controls and enforcement.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai