Multiple Industry Bodies Warn: Banning Disposable Vapes in the UK Would Fuel the Black Market

Recently, the Association of Independent Retailers in the UK warned that banning disposable e-cigarettes would fuel illegal sales and would not achieve the goals of reducing litter and decreasing the appeal of e-cigarettes to children.

The warning from the Association of Independent Retailers comes in response to a call from the Local Government Association (LGA), which represents local governments in England and Wales, urging the government to ban the sale and manufacture of disposable e-cigarettes by 2024.

Montazir Dipoti, chairman of the Association of Independent Retailers, commented: "Banning disposable e-cigarettes may seem like a direct and effective way to address the issues of underage vaping and littering. However, like anti-smoking organizations such as ASH, we believe that the ban could exacerbate the already thriving illegal market."

He added: "E-cigarettes have helped many people quit smoking and have become a part of life. If we ban them, the black market will become more active. History shows that the belief that bans can prevent people from accessing products is extremely optimistic."

The e-cigarette trade organization also opposed the LGA, stating that such a ban would be discriminatory and have negative consequences.

Additionally, the public health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) also does not support banning disposable e-cigarettes, pointing out that it could lead to unintended consequences. However, the organization reiterated its call for a consumption tax on disposable e-cigarettes.