ELFBAR responds to 2Firsts: disappointed by the UK disposable vape ban

The UK government has announced a ban on disposable e-cigarettes, and ELFBAR has expressed disappointment. The company believes disposable e-cigarettes play a vital role in helping adults quit smoking, while also supporting the government’s efforts to prevent youth use. However, ELFBAR argues that more practical and effective controls should be adopted and is concerned that the ban could lead to a surge in illegal e-cigarettes.

Special statement:

This article is for internal industry research and discussion only and does not constitute any recommendation of brands or products; minors are prohibited from accessing it.

Breaking news, January 29: The UK government announced a comprehensive ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes and restrictions on flavors for refillable e-cigarettes. In response, 2Firsts immediately contacted the owner of disposable e-cigarette brand Lost Mary and ELFBAR, iMiracle. In reply to 2Firsts’ questions, iMiracle stated that its e-liquid product line is part of the company’s overall product strategy and is unrelated to any forecast, and cited a response from Eve Peters, ELFBAR’s Head of UK Government Affairs, as follows:

“In many respects, ELFBAR shares the same views as the UK government in its public consultation on vaping, especially on preventing minors from accessing e-cigarettes. Even before the UK vaping consultation began, ELFBAR had already been working toward the goal of preventing children from becoming aware of, seeing, and purchasing e-cigarettes, and had implemented corresponding measures.

 

ELFBAR is disappointed by the UK ban on disposable e-cigarettes. This is especially so given that recent research from Cancer Research UK and University College London clearly shows that disposable e-cigarettes play a key role in helping adults quit smoking.

 

ELFBAR strongly supports the UK government’s efforts to prevent children from using disposable e-cigarettes, but in fact there are more practical and effective control measures than a blanket ban, such as a retail licensing system and more effective, stricter on-site enforcement.

 

Since last year, market participants, including ELFBAR, have made major efforts in self-regulation and achieved significant progress. Unfortunately, some irresponsible industry participants and their conduct have created confusion, making it difficult for the public to distinguish the issues clearly. Banning disposable e-cigarettes will further exacerbate the spread of illegal e-cigarettes.

 

Going forward, ELFBAR will continue working with regulators and remain committed to helping adult smokers quit and reduce harm.”