Key points
- 62.5% of vapers still use disposables; for 25–34s, usage remains at 82%, indicating persistent demand post-ban.
- 35% of disposable users report ongoing purchases, underscoring an active black market despite enforcement.
- Main sources: local smaller shops (55%) and specialist vape stores (37%); also supermarkets, online and car boot sales.
- 78.5% are using pre-ban stock, raising battery-safety concerns from aging or poorly stored lithium cells.
- 6% of vapers report returning to combustible cigarettes; Haypp backs retail licensing to strengthen compliance.
2Firsts, October 22, 2025 — According to Convenience Store, retailer Haypp says the UK’s June 2025 ban on disposable vapes has not curbed usage as expected.
Its latest survey finds 62.5% of vapers still using disposables, rising to 82% in the 25–34 age group; 35% of disposable users say they still buy banned devices.
While possession is legal, sales of disposables are prohibited, pointing to a sizeable black market and a long tail of non-compliant retailers.
Respondents identified local smaller shops (55%) and specialist vape stores (37%) as leading sources, with supermarkets, online sellers and car boot sales also mentioned.
78.5% said they are using pre-ban stock, which can pose safety hazards as lithium-ion batteries degrade or are stored in poor conditions.
14% plan to continue buying disposables, and 6% of vapers reported returning to combustible cigarettes.
Markus Lindblad, Haypp’s Head of External Affairs, said: “The data clearly demonstrates the disposable ban is not yet working as expected. The widespread availability points to a very active black market that will be difficult to police, and stockpiling raises safety issues.”
He added that the government’s plan to introduce a retail licensing scheme for tobacco and nicotine products is “welcome and necessary.”
Image source: Convenience Store / Haypp
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
