UK Government Response: Creating a Smoke-Free Generation and Addressing Youth E-Cigarette Issue

Regulations by 2FIRSTS
Jan.30.2024
UK Government Response: Creating a Smoke-Free Generation and Addressing Youth E-Cigarette Issue
The UK government plans to ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, with new legislation to be introduced.

On January 29th, the Department of Health and Social Care in the UK released a report titled "Creating a Smoke-Free Generation and Addressing the Issue of Youth E-cigarette Use: Government's Response". The report discusses proposed actions by the UK government and devolved administrations to tackle smoking and youth e-cigarette use, covering the period from October 12th, 2023 to December 6th, 2023.

 

The consultation covers three main areas:

 

  • Creating a Smoke-Free Generation: Discussing the Smoke-Free Generation policy. 
  • Addressing the issue of youth e-cigarette use: Conducting analysis on the issue of youth e-cigarette use, seeking evidence, and consulting on restrictions related to sales display, packaging, and other concerns. 
  • Implementation: Seeking consultation on proposals to introduce new powers, including issuing fixed penalty notices and enforcing legislation on the age of sale for tobacco products and e-cigarettes. 

 

During the consultation period, the Department of Health received nearly 28,000 responses. The majority of responses supported the government's proposal to create a smoke-free generation.

 

A majority of interviewees agree with the proposals aimed at addressing the issue of youth e-cigarette usage, particularly the restrictions on the display and packaging of these products at sales points. However, there are some differences of opinion regarding the implementation of these measures.

 

There is support among some individuals to expand regulations to cover non-nicotine e-cigarettes and other nicotine products, in order to close loopholes and strengthen enforcement. Interviewees strongly advocate for a ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarette products. They also support the enforcement of tobacco and e-cigarette measures, including the introduction of new fixed penalty notices (FPN) in England.

 

The UK government plans to propose legislation and take the following measures:

 

1. Change in Sales Age: It is now prohibited for individuals born after January 1, 2009, to legally sell tobacco products, and proxy sales are also banned. 

2. Introduction of Regulations: Restrictions have been imposed on e-cigarette product flavors, sales outlets, and packaging. 

3. New Fine System: A new fixed penalty notice has been implemented, with a £100 fine imposed for violations related to selling to underage individuals and distributing for free.

 

In addition, local governments in the UK, Scotland, and Wales are planning to ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, with officials in Northern Ireland also considering possible legislation.

 

The UK government deems it necessary to reduce the proliferation of e-cigarettes and will work in conjunction with the devolved authorities to ensure consistent regulation.

 

Click to read the original text of the results of this public consultation.

 


 

"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

【3】ELFBAR to 2FIRSTS: Disappointed about the Disposable Ban

 

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

PMI Expands U.S. ZYN Portfolio With New 1.5 mg and 8 mg Strengths, Moves Toward a Unified 20-Pouch-Per-Can Format
PMI Expands U.S. ZYN Portfolio With New 1.5 mg and 8 mg Strengths, Moves Toward a Unified 20-Pouch-Per-Can Format
Philip Morris International is expanding its U.S. ZYN nicotine pouch portfolio with new 1.5 mg and 8 mg strengths and plans to move its core 3 mg and 6 mg dry-pouch products from 15 to 20 pouches per can in the fourth quarter of 2026. ZYN ULTRA is also commercially available, with FDA authorization covering 10 products at 9 mg and one 11 mg Smooth product. PMI U.S. lists the new 1.5 mg and 8 mg strengths as commercially available, but as of September 10 they do not appear on the FDA’s public authorization list. Public materials do not identify which PMTA submissions cover the two new strengths or their current review status.
Sep.11
Product | RELX Partners With UK E-Liquid Brand T-Juice for Prime Pro × Red Astaire Bundle in France
Product | RELX Partners With UK E-Liquid Brand T-Juice for Prime Pro × Red Astaire Bundle in France
RELX and UK e-liquid brand T-Juice have launched the Prime Pro × Red Astaire bundle in France, combining the RELX Prime Pro open-system pod device with T-Juice’s signature Red Astaire nicotine salt e-liquid. The collaboration retains the existing Prime Pro hardware platform while using an established flavor brand to create a complete open-system offering. The product appeared in French retail and distribution channels in August 2026 and represents a co-branded retail bundle rather than a new device launch.
Aug.27
2Firsts Exclusive Analysis | RLX Q2 Revenue Rises 14.8%, Company Takes Control of Western European Distributor and Expands Multi-Category Strategy
2Firsts Exclusive Analysis | RLX Q2 Revenue Rises 14.8%, Company Takes Control of Western European Distributor and Expands Multi-Category Strategy
business accounting for 68.5% of sales. A new controlling investment in a Western European distributor and plans to scale modern oral nicotine pouches point to a broader international strategy spanning channels and multiple product categories.
Special Report
Aug.14
Nasdaq-Listed Vape Company iSpire Technology Restructures Leadership as Tuanfang Liu Becomes Sole CEO, BTIG Initiates Coverage on ODM Growth Opportunity
Nasdaq-Listed Vape Company iSpire Technology Restructures Leadership as Tuanfang Liu Becomes Sole CEO, BTIG Initiates Coverage on ODM Growth Opportunity
Nasdaq-listed vape company iSpire Technology has restructured its leadership team, with Tuanfang Liu becoming the company’s sole chief executive officer (CEO) and Michael Wang appointed CEO of Aspire North America. The move ends iSpire’s previous co-CEO structure and creates clearer responsibilities between group strategy and regional execution. Separately, BTIG initiated coverage on iSpire Technology with a Buy rating and a $3.50 price target, identifying ODM growth opportunities as a key investment factor.
Jul.27
BAT CFO Dragos Constantinescu Takes Office, Returning After Seven Years and Former Asahi Europe Leadership Role
BAT CFO Dragos Constantinescu Takes Office, Returning After Seven Years and Former Asahi Europe Leadership Role
Dragos Constantinescu has officially taken up his role as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director at British American Tobacco (BAT). He previously spent 16 years at BAT across finance and general management roles in Europe before joining Asahi in 2019 and becoming CEO of Asahi Europe & International in 2025. His return comes as BAT continues to advance its “A Better Tomorrow” transformation.
BAT
Sep.01
Product | JTI Launches Ploom AURA Teal Electric Pop in South Korea, Its First Dual-Color Edition
Product | JTI Launches Ploom AURA Teal Electric Pop in South Korea, Its First Dual-Color Edition
JTI Korea launched the Ploom AURA Teal Electric Pop limited edition in South Korea on September 1, 2026, marking the first dual-color design in the Ploom AURA range. The device combines a dark green body with teal accents and is accompanied by matching Front Panel, Back Cover and Pocket Bag accessories. The standalone device is priced at KRW 29,000, with three additional device-and-accessory bundles available. The release continues JTI Korea's use of limited colorways and interchangeable accessories to expand the Ploom AURA portfolio without introducing a new hardware platform.
Sep.03