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

Israel’s Finance Ministry Advances New Tax Plan for Vapes, Tobacco Pouches and Nicotine Pouches
Israel’s Finance Ministry Advances New Tax Plan for Vapes, Tobacco Pouches and Nicotine Pouches
Israel’s Finance Ministry is advancing a new bill to tax e-cigarettes, tobacco pouches and nicotine pouches. According to the report, once approved by the Knesset Finance Committee, the initiative would only require the signature of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to take effect. The plan would lower the tax on vape liquid while introducing new taxes on vape devices and on tobacco and nicotine pouches.
Apr.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris Limited Launches Delia to Expand IQOS Iluma Consumables Portfolio
Philip Morris Limited Launches Delia to Expand IQOS Iluma Consumables Portfolio
Philip Morris Limited has announced the launch of Delia, the latest addition to its portfolio of heated tobacco and zero-tobacco sticks exclusively compatible with the IQOS Iluma range.
Apr.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI U.S. to Invest About USD 50 Million in New Business Solutions Center in Tampa
PMI U.S. to Invest About USD 50 Million in New Business Solutions Center in Tampa
On March 17, PMI U.S. announced an investment of about USD 50 million in a new Business Solutions Center in Tampa, Florida. The center is expected to create about 180 direct and indirect high-skilled jobs and will consolidate business solutions, distribution operations and customer service into one hub.
Mar.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thailand’s DDC Reaffirms Nicotine Pouches Are Regulated Under the Tobacco Products Control Act
Thailand’s DDC Reaffirms Nicotine Pouches Are Regulated Under the Tobacco Products Control Act
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control has warned the public not to believe claims that nicotine pouches are harmless, saying the products contain high levels of nicotine that can enter the bloodstream through the mouth lining and affect the nervous system and brain.
Apr.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Arizona Lawmaker Pushes Alternative Nicotine Product Bill as Enforcement Concerns Emerge
Arizona Lawmaker Pushes Alternative Nicotine Product Bill as Enforcement Concerns Emerge
Arizona Representative Jeff Weninger’s HB 4001 is being presented as a new tool to crack down on retailers that sell vaping devices and other nicotine products to minors. The bill would create a licensing system for manufacturers and distributors of “alternative nicotine products” and impose fines for sales to people under 21, with penalties reaching USD 10,000 for a fourth violation within 24 months.
Mar.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Australia’s NSW Finds Lower Vaping Rates Among Teenagers Aged 14 to 17
Australia’s NSW Finds Lower Vaping Rates Among Teenagers Aged 14 to 17
A new report from Cancer Council’s Generation Vape research project shows that fewer teenagers in New South Wales are trying vaping after the state government introduced tougher vaping goods laws. Among surveyed NSW teenagers aged 14 to 17, the proportion who had tried vaping fell from 29.6% in April 2024 to 20.1% in October 2025.
Mar.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai