UK: Vaping stagnates as ban on disposable devices approaches

A recent study reveals that the increase in the number of Britons using e-cigarettes appears to have reached a plateau.[1]. Between the beginning of 2022 and January 2024, the proportion of users increased by almost 25%. However, the researchers at University College London (UCL), who conducted the study, point out that this increase stopped between January 2023 and January 2024, among both adults and young people.[2].

A marked increase in vaping, which seems to have stabilized

This observation comes shortly before the entry into force, on 1^er June 2025, a national ban on disposable e-cigarettes, announced by Conservative MP Rishi Sunak. This measure aims in particular to limit youth addiction and reduce pollution linked to these single-use products. If the Tobacco and Vape Act is passed, certain flavors intended to appeal to younger people, as well as advertising for e-cigarettes, will also be restricted.

Data from the Smoking Toolkit Study, a rolling survey of 88,611 English, Welsh and Scottish adults aged 16 and over, shows that the proportion of over-16s who vape increased from 8.9% to 13.5% between January 2022 and January 2024.[3]. Among 16-24 year olds, this share jumped from 17 % to 26.5 %. In January 2024, 43.6 % of vapers mainly used disposable models. A year later, this proportion had fallen to less than a third (29.4 %), with a particularly marked drop among the youngest, with 16-24 year olds falling from 63 % to 35 %. The researchers note, however, that these figures could underestimate the actual use of disposable products, in particular due to possible under-reporting after the ban was announced.

A public health issue between efficiency and caution

For several years, the NHS (the British health service) has recommended e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool, as smoking is linked to approximately 76,000 premature deaths per year in the UK, including strokes and cancers. According to health authorities, vapes are far less dangerous than traditional tobacco and can actually help smokers quit. However, vaping is not without risks: e-cigarettes contain toxic substances, and their long-term effects remain unknown. According to NHS Digital, in 2022, nearly 350 vaping-related hospitalizations were recorded in England, 50 of which were in children, mainly caused by lung inflammation.

In light of this situation, the study's lead researcher, Dr. Sarah Jackson, emphasized that measures are still needed to reduce high vaping rates. However, she believes the current stabilization may reassure policymakers and encourage them to avoid overly severe restrictions. She also noted that banning disposable vapes may have a limited impact, as users already appear to be switching from these products to reusable devices, which have a longer lifespan and are often less expensive in the long run. She added that vaping manufacturers have responded quickly to the upcoming ban, with the "most popular" disposable brands producing refillable versions of their most popular models. They are very similar in design, colors, aromas and even price " she said[4]In countries with strong regulations, tobacco, vaping and other nicotine product manufacturers are adapting so quickly that they are now marketing vaping products with nicotine analogues to circumvent regulations.[5].

Caroline Cerny, deputy chief executive of the public health charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash), commented on the findings: " These data indicate that government action on vaping is beginning to change business practices and consumer behavior. […]. This is a positive sign and shows that the planned regulations have the potential to tackle the trend of vaping among young people. […] At the same time, it is important to strike the right balance: protecting young people while helping adults quit smoking. With well-designed policies, we can achieve both goals.[6] ".

A recent study showed that, overall, British citizens support bold health policies and thatAchieving a 'tobacco-free generation' would be positive for the British economy, despite repeated actions by the tobacco industry to undermine these efforts.

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[1]Bowkett Bill, Rapid rise in e-cigarettes 'stalls' ahead of a nationwide ban on single-use vapes, study suggests, The Standard, published April 16, 2025, accessed April 17, 2025

[2]UCL, Rapid rise in vaping in Britain has stalled, published April 15, 2025, accessed April 17, 2025

[3]Smoking in England, Discover Major Findings Relating to Smoking in England, accessed April 17, 2025

[4]Rackham Annabel, Disposable vape use falling in UK ahead of ban, BBC, published April 16, 2025, accessed April 17, 2025

[5]Tobacco-free generation, 6-Methyl-Nicotine: A synthetic molecule present in vaping products and oral pouches, published March 31, 2025, accessed April 17, 2025

[6]Telegraph, Disposable vapes ban 'unlikely' to tackle e-cigarette use, published April 16, 2025, accessed April 17, 2025

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