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

Product | ZYN Adds Tropical Flavor and Expands 1.5mg Nicotine Options in the Philippines
Product | ZYN Adds Tropical Flavor and Expands 1.5mg Nicotine Options in the Philippines
ZYN has expanded its nicotine pouch portfolio in the Philippines with the addition of Cool Breeze 1.5mg and Tropical in 3mg and 6mg strengths. Public information shows that 1.5mg is among the lower nicotine strengths offered by ZYN in the Philippine market and is positioned for adult nicotine consumers who are new to nicotine pouches.
PMI
Jun.08
Cambodia Moves to Draft New Tobacco Control Strategy Targeting Illicit Products and E-Cigarette Spread
Cambodia Moves to Draft New Tobacco Control Strategy Targeting Illicit Products and E-Cigarette Spread
Cambodian Health Minister Cheang Ra has called for the development of a tobacco control strategy for 2027–2031, with the goal of reducing tobacco use by 30% by 2030. The directive was issued during a Tobacco Product Control Committee meeting in Phnom Penh. Priority areas include reducing tobacco use, protecting the public from secondhand smoke, tackling illegal and counterfeit tobacco products, and preventing the spread of e-cigarettes.
Apr.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ukrainian Media: Polish Vape Distributor Evapify Allegedly Linked to Russian Businessman Named in U.S. “Russia Oligarch Report”
Ukrainian Media: Polish Vape Distributor Evapify Allegedly Linked to Russian Businessman Named in U.S. “Russia Oligarch Report”
According to an investigative report by Euromaidan Press, a Ukrainian English-language independent media outlet, Russian businessman Oleg Boyko has been sanctioned by Ukraine, Poland, Australia and Canada, but has not been added to the European Union’s sanctions list. The report alleges that Evapify, a Polish vape distributor with financial and personal ties to Boyko, holds a significant position in Poland’s disposable vape market.
News
Jun.01
Philip Morris International Says Part of Owensboro ZYN Output Is Exceeding Market Demand
Philip Morris International Says Part of Owensboro ZYN Output Is Exceeding Market Demand
Philip Morris International said its Swedish Match facility in Owensboro will adjust part of its production schedule this summer in response to changing market conditions. According to a notice the company gave union leadership and employees on April 22, parts of ZYN production will shift from a 24/7 schedule back to a 24/5 schedule. The ZYN Flagship department will return to a five-day, three-shift operation.
Apr.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Sweden Becomes First EU Country to Reach Smoke-Free Status as Daily Smoking Falls to 4.8%
Sweden Becomes First EU Country to Reach Smoke-Free Status as Daily Smoking Falls to 4.8%
According to the latest CAN report and multiple media reports, Sweden’s daily smoking rate fell to 4.8% in 2025, below the commonly used 5% smoke-free threshold, making it the first EU country to reach that benchmark.
News
Jun.05
AIR Shares Drop 18.6% in Nasdaq Debut, Testing Hookah’s Move Toward Public Markets
AIR Shares Drop 18.6% in Nasdaq Debut, Testing Hookah’s Move Toward Public Markets
AIR Global’s Nasdaq debut under ticker AIIR ended with a 18.6% first-day decline, giving the global hookah industry a rare public-market reference point. Beyond one company’s share move, the listing raises a broader question: can a culturally rooted, fragmented and venue-based category evolve into a more scalable and investable consumer sector?
Special Report
May.19