Interview with Arcus UK CEO: ban will trigger a black market boom, advises companies to shift to ope

  In response to the UK’s ban on disposable e-cigarettes, 2FIRSTS interviewed Robert Sidebottom, CEO of ARCUS COMPLIANCE, a company focused on helping vaping companies obtain regulatory compliance certification in the UK. In the interview, he shared his views on the ban and offered suggestions for Chinese manufacturers.

【2FIRSTS Original】On January 29, the UK government announced a comprehensive ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes and restrictions on flavors and packaging for refillable vape products. In response to this ban, 2FIRSTS interviewed Robert Sidebottom, CEO of ARCUS COMPLIANCE, a company specializing in helping vaping businesses achieve compliance certification in the UK.

First, Robert shared his view of the ban. He said that imposing a disposable vape ban is an irresponsible act, because bans have never achieved meaningful results anywhere in the world and never will. In addition, such a ban may squeeze the legal market while allowing the black market to rise rapidly. In his view, the government should adopt a more responsible and comprehensive approach to regulating the vaping market, rather than relying on a simple ban.

When discussing which product categories might absorb the market share lost after the disposable ban takes effect, Robert said he is more optimistic about the potential of open-system products. At the same time, he also expressed optimism about some innovative products, such as Sky Hunter, HAPPY VIBES, and INSTAFILL.
 

As the CEO of a company focused on helping businesses obtain compliance certification, Robert also offered several suggestions to Chinese manufacturers for their future development.

He suggested that companies must first ensure compliance and strategically reposition themselves by moving into the open-system market.

Second, he emphasized the need for caution in flavor selection, recommending simple and direct product naming. For example: Mint, Tobacco, and Fruit. For fruit flavors, names should also remain clear and straightforward, such as Strawberry, Cherry, Raspberry, and Watermelon.

Finally, he advised brands to avoid flashy flavor names and any naming that could appeal to minors, such as avoiding names like "Unicorn Milkshake." In addition, products should not imitate naming conventions from other industries, such as "Skittles" or "Energy," in order to avoid rejection in the UK market.
 

2FIRSTS will continue to follow developments related to the UK disposable vape ban. Stay tuned.

Thumbnail caption: Robert Sidebottom, CEO of ARCUS COMPLIANCE