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

Imperial Brands Pulls myblu Vape Business From U.S., Citing Prolonged FDA Approval Process
Imperial Brands Pulls myblu Vape Business From U.S., Citing Prolonged FDA Approval Process
Imperial Brands said it will phase out its myblu vaping business in the United States, citing prolonged FDA approval timelines for new vape products. The company said it will instead focus on modern oral nicotine products in the U.S., including the expansion of its Zone brand and new flavors. While overall next-generation product revenue continued to grow, revenue from the category in the Americas declined sharply.
May.12
Special Report|Haypp’s Nicotine Pouch Volumes Rise 40%: Who Controls the Digital Shelf for Modern Oral?
Special Report|Haypp’s Nicotine Pouch Volumes Rise 40%: Who Controls the Digital Shelf for Modern Oral?
Haypp Group reported a 40% year-on-year increase in nicotine pouch volumes in the first quarter of 2026, with U.S. and U.K. volumes rising 123% and 102%, respectively. Haypp says around 97% of its consumer traffic is organic and that its Media & Insights business provides brand owners with on-site visibility, trial activation and consumer intelligence. For international tobacco companies, Haypp may be both a growth partner for modern oral products and a new source of channel leverage.
Special Report
May.22
U.S. Senator Durbin Criticizes FDA’s First Flavored Vape Authorization, Says Trump Administration Conceded to Big Tobacco
U.S. Senator Durbin Criticizes FDA’s First Flavored Vape Authorization, Says Trump Administration Conceded to Big Tobacco
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin on May 13 criticized the Trump Administration’s Food and Drug Administration for approving the sale and marketing of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes for the first time, while also allowing some illegal vaping products to remain on the market. He also linked the regulatory shift to the departure of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, saying White House pressure on regulators to approve tobacco product applications could create serious public-health consequences.
Regulations
May.15
Imperial Brands Launches 2ml+10ml blu MAX 6000 Vape System
Imperial Brands Launches 2ml+10ml blu MAX 6000 Vape System
mperial Brands has launched blu MAX 6000 in the UK, positioning the product as a higher-puff vape kit with longer-lasting use and replaceable pod+refill options. The device uses a 2ml+10ml click-on box format, with starter kits priced at £10.99 (approximately $14) and replacement pod+refill packs priced at £7.99 (approximately $10).
Market
May.19
Jinjia Shares Discloses 2025 Annual and Q1 2026 Results With Revenue Growth, Profit Pressure and Expanding New Tobacco Business
Jinjia Shares Discloses 2025 Annual and Q1 2026 Results With Revenue Growth, Profit Pressure and Expanding New Tobacco Business
Jinjia Shares’ 2025 annual report summary and first-quarter 2026 report show that the company recorded 2025 revenue of RMB 2.988 billion, up 4.57% year on year, while net profit attributable to shareholders turned to a loss of RMB 346 million. In the first quarter of 2026, revenue rose 58.13% year on year to RMB 1.005 billion, but attributable net profit fell 45.16% to RMB 36.5349 million. The company said both revenue and cost growth were related to the expansion of its new tobacco business.
Apr.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Italy Fines PMI €7 Million Over Misleading ‘Smoke-Free Future’ Marketing Claims
Italy Fines PMI €7 Million Over Misleading ‘Smoke-Free Future’ Marketing Claims
Italy’s Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) has fined Philip Morris Italia €7 million, finding that the company’s use of “smoke-free future” and related claims in promoting products such as IQOS, VEEV and ZYN could mislead consumers.
Jun.16