Is UK Disposable Ban Weakening Smoking Cessation Efforts? Expert Opinions Differ

Regulations by 2FIRSTS
Jan.30.2024
Is UK Disposable Ban Weakening Smoking Cessation Efforts? Expert Opinions Differ
The UK government's plan to ban disposable e-cigarettes has caused stock fluctuations and divided experts' opinions.

According to a London report by Reuters on January 29th, the British government's proposal to ban disposable e-cigarettes has caused fluctuations in the stocks of the e-cigarette industry and has also sparked disagreement among experts. They are concerned that this move may hinder efforts to curb the deaths and illnesses caused by tobacco.

 

British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has expressed concerns over the increasing popularity of disposable e-cigarettes among young people in the UK. Citing statistical data, he revealed that the number of underage individuals using e-cigarettes has doubled in the past three years. Other countries, such as France, have already announced bans on disposable products. However, the UK government has opted to include e-cigarettes as part of its overall plan to reduce smoking rates, which includes providing free e-cigarette kits to smokers who wish to quit.

 

On Monday, the stock price of e-cigarette company Chill Brands experienced a significant drop of 29%. Likewise, Supreme PLC, a company specializing in the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, initially saw a decline of nearly 10% in their stock price, but managed to recover and increase by 7%. Following this market development, Chill Brands announced plans to expedite the launch of non-disposable e-cigarettes, asserting the belief that disposable e-cigarettes have played a significant role in aiding people in their efforts to quit smoking.

 

Researchers have discovered that the usage of disposable e-cigarettes is widespread among individuals. According to a recent study released this month, approximately 1.2 million smokers in the UK, along with 744,000 individuals who have quit smoking, are employing disposable e-cigarettes.

 

Chief researcher Sarah Jackson of the Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group at the University of London has stated that "this ban may have significant negative consequences for these individuals." She points out that this could potentially prevent smokers from fully switching to the relatively harmless e-cigarettes or cause those who have successfully quit smoking with the help of disposable e-cigarettes to relapse.

 

Professor Colin Notley, Addiction Science Professor at the Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia, emphasized the importance of reducing smoking rates since smoking is a deadly habit. However, Mike McKean, Vice-Chair of the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health, supports the government's measures and believes that tough actions are necessary to curb young people's smoking behavior. He stated that research and data regarding the widespread use of e-cigarettes are in its early stages, and the long-term effects, particularly on young people, are still unclear.

 


 

"UK Disposable E-Cigarette Ban" Series Report

 

Policy Updates
【1】UK Government Announces Ban on Disposable E-Cigarettes
【2】Original Text of UK Government's Disposable Ban Announcement

 

Market Dynamics
【1】After UK Disposable Ban: Retailers Clearing Stock, Major Distributors Turning to E-liquids and Open-Systems
【2】UK Announces Disposable E-Cigarette Ban: Smoore and Yinghe Technology Stock Prices Decline

 

Various Perspectives
【1】Black Market or Opportunity? Insiders' Perspectives on UK Disposable Ban

【2】Interview with Arcus Managing Director: Ban Will Lead to Black Market Surge, Manufacturers should Switch to Open Systems

 

Business Review

【1】Disposable Ban Impact: Is Smoore's Strategic Layout Empty Again?

 

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

 RFK Jr. Spokesman Resigns Over FDA Authorization of Fruit-Flavored Vapes
RFK Jr. Spokesman Resigns Over FDA Authorization of Fruit-Flavored Vapes
Richard Danker, a senior public affairs official in Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s team, resigned from his role at HHS over the FDA’s recent authorization of fruit-flavored vaping products. In a resignation letter addressed to President Donald Trump, Danker argued that the products could expose minors to nicotine addiction, lung damage, and increased cancer risks, while also conflicting with recent HHS guidance on youth risks associated with flavored nicotine products.
News
May.15
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 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
Netherlands Plans Law to Ban Possession of Large Quantities of Vapes Intended for Trade
Netherlands Plans Law to Ban Possession of Large Quantities of Vapes Intended for Trade
Dutch Health Minister Hermans is drafting legislation that would also ban possession of larger quantities of vapes, allowing the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority to intervene earlier and seize stock before proving that trade has taken place.
Apr.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
More Than 500 Stores in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Region Voluntarily Stop Selling Vapes
More Than 500 Stores in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Region Voluntarily Stop Selling Vapes
According to the Nizhny Novgorod regional government, 550 stores in the region have voluntarily removed vapes and e-liquids from their product assortments. Regional officials said a public offer encouraging businesses to self-restrict vape sales has been in place since September 2025, and that a large retail chain with more than 40 outlets in Nizhny Novgorod joined the initiative. The regional government also said a federal ban on vape sales is expected in the near future.
Apr.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Posts Environmental Assessment for Nicotine Pouches, May Influence Future PMTA Reviews
FDA Posts Environmental Assessment for Nicotine Pouches, May Influence Future PMTA Reviews
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a programmatic environmental assessment covering nicotine pouches and other oral nicotine products, concluding that their overall environmental impact is generally minimal.
Regulations
May.22