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

Austria to Tighten Sales Rules for Nicotine Pouches and E-Liquids From April 1
Austria to Tighten Sales Rules for Nicotine Pouches and E-Liquids From April 1
Austria will introduce new sales rules for nicotine products from April 1, 2026. Under a reform of the tobacco law passed in December 2025, nicotine pouches will in future be sold only through tobacco shops, while e-liquids will be sold only through tobacco shops and licensed specialist stores. Other points of sale will no longer be permitted to sell these products.
Mar.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singapore New bill would raise maximum fines to S$200,000 for sellers and S$300,000 for smugglers
Singapore New bill would raise maximum fines to S$200,000 for sellers and S$300,000 for smugglers
A bill introduced in Singapore’s Parliament on Feb. 12 proposes major increases in penalties for vaping-related offences, including higher maximum fines for users, sellers and smugglers. The draft would also rename the current Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act as the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act.
Feb.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Spain’s Galicia Moves First: Under-18 Vape and Energy Drink Sales and Use Banned
Spain’s Galicia Moves First: Under-18 Vape and Energy Drink Sales and Use Banned
Galicia will implement a new “Minor Health Protection and Addictive Behaviors Prevention” law this Saturday, becoming the first region in Spain to ban the sale and use of vapes for people under 18.
Mar.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Indonesian drug agency chief proposes ban on e-cigarettes and e-liquid containing harmful substances
Indonesian drug agency chief proposes ban on e-cigarettes and e-liquid containing harmful substances
Indonesian drug agency chief proposes ban on e-cigarette and e-liquid in new draft law, citing dangerous substances found.
Apr.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Namibia Moves to Tighten Laws on E-Cigarettes and Emerging Nicotine Products
Namibia Moves to Tighten Laws on E-Cigarettes and Emerging Nicotine Products
Namibia is moving to tighten regulation of e-cigarettes and other emerging nicotine products as part of broader tobacco control efforts. Deputy health minister Susan Ndjaleka said the government is reviewing the Tobacco Products Control Act to close regulatory gaps and address emerging tobacco products. Namibia is also working toward joining the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products in order to curb the black market and protect public revenue.
Apr.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Says Heated Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use Is a Key Factor Behind Rising In-Flight Smoking
Japan Says Heated Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use Is a Key Factor Behind Rising In-Flight Smoking
Japan’s transport ministry said on April 14 that major Japanese airlines reported 429 passenger smoking incidents on domestic and international flights in 2025, the highest level since comparable data collection began in 2004. The government said the spread of heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes was an important factor behind the increase. Japan plans to work with airlines to raise public awareness of fire risks on aircraft.
Apr.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai