Report Says Black Market Caused UK Vaping Ban to Fail
A new report shows that the UK’s June 2025 ban on disposable vaping devices failed to curb vaping, with 62.5% of users still using banned devices. Among 25- to 34-year-olds, the figure jumps to 82%, while 35% of disposable vaping device users admit they s
A new report shows that the UK’s ban on disposable vaping devices, implemented in June 2025, has failed to effectively curb vaping, with 62.5% of vapers still using banned devices. Among people aged 25 to 34, that figure jumps to 82%, while 35% of disposable vape users admitted they are still buying them, indicating a thriving black market.
The data shows that illegal sales are not limited to underground sellers: 55% of users bought disposable vaping devices from corner shops, 37% from vape shops, 34% from supermarkets, and 28% online. Experts warn that this indicates increasingly widespread illegal trade involving mainstream retailers, making enforcement even more difficult.
Safety concerns are also becoming more prominent, with 78.5% of users saying they are still using vaping devices purchased before the ban, meaning these products may now pose stability risks due to battery aging and improper storage. The findings show that “the ban has not delivered its intended effect” and welcome the government’s plan to introduce a retail licensing scheme to combat the illegal vaping market.
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