A ban on single-use vapes is expected to be announced early next week by the government.
According to The Telegraph, an announcement by the government on the recent consultation is expected on Monday 29 January. It is expected that single-use vapes will be banned to curb usage among younger people.
The report went on to say that ministers are looking for a solution that stops those under the age of 18 starting to use vapes while maintaining the product as a means for adults looking to stop smoking. It also predicts that there are plans to introduce regulations surrounding the marketing of the category as well as flavours.
Although yet to be confirmed, the Telegraph also reports that any legislation is to be debated in early February.
The government launched a consultation on the issue which ran until early December, with a view to tackling underage usage and sustainability concerns surrounding the vape category.
In September 2023, research published by Material Focus found that five million single-use vapes are thrown away every week in the UK.
Reacting to the reports, chair of the Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) Marcus Saxton warned that a ban would have “damaging consequences”.
“Children and those who have not smoked should not be using vapes and the industry is making significant efforts and progress to protect children including launching an industry code of conduct and changes to products, descriptors and flavours,” said Saxton. “However, introducing bans on single-use vapes and flavours, will have hugely damaging consequences including making it harder for smokers to quit and will push those that have quit, back into smoking. Big tobacco will be rubbing its hands with glee in anticipation of possible vape bans.”
Saxton also warned that the illicit trade would benefit from a ban if it goes ahead.
“Further, with an estimated third of the UK vape market comprising illicit products, any ban will simply benefit those pushing illegal and unregulated product as people seek out single-use and flavoured products from illicit sources.
“Research by Cancer Research UK and UCL published in recent days shows the critical role that single use vapes are playing in helping the 6.4 million smokers in the UK to quit and the risks of introducing bans. The vape industry stands ready to work with government to implement a proportionate regulatory regime, but introducing knee-jerk and unevidenced bans is not the solution. It’s simple – bans do not work.”
The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) also criticised the rumoured move.
“The UKVIA is dismayed to hear strong rumours that the government is going to ban disposable vapes. While it is critical that action is taken to prevent youth access to vaping, such a move would effectively see vapers being sacrificed for votes ahead of the upcoming General Election. If true it’s a decision that flies in the face of the Government’s Swap to Stop scheme which is currently being rolled out and providing smokers with vape starter kits, including free single use vapes, paired with behavioural support.”
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