ELFBAR expressed its support for the UK government’s upcoming ban on disposable vapes to be implemented on June 1st, and at the same time called on the government to take unified national law enforcement measures to prevent the growth of illegal markets and protect law-abiding retailers. ELFBAR emphasized that clear guidelines should be issued as soon as possible and is willing to collaborate with the government to promote the effective implementation of regulations.
Key points:
- The UK’s ban on disposable vapes will come into effect on June 1, 2025. ELFBAR calls on the UK government to promote a unified and strong law enforcement strategy.
- ELFBAR is concerned that without a supporting enforcement mechanism, the ban may stimulate the expansion of illegal markets and undermine the achievement of the UK’s “Smoke-free 2030” goal.
- The government has announced an additional allocation of 10 million pounds for strengthening law enforcement resources, including the creation of 80 trainee law enforcement positions.
- ELFBAR suggests establishing a retail licensing system similar to the Alcohol Licensing Act of 2003 to promote industry compliance and combat illegal sales.
- Although disposable vapes are banned from sale, their import remains legal after June 1st. ELFBAR warns that this “loophole” may fuel the spread of illegal channels.
ELFBAR calls on British government to act in unison
According to a recent report by Convenience Store, as the British government plans to implement a ban on disposable vapes on June 1, 2025. ELFBAR has written to the British government to take unified law enforcement actions to ensure the effective implementation of the policy.
ELFBAR pointed out that if there is a lack of strong enforcement and public awareness, this ban may unintentionally stimulate the expansion of illegal markets and instead hinder the government from achieving its goal of a smoke-free environment by 2030.
Enhanced enforcement of disposable VAPE ban
The brand particularly emphasized that the “Operation Machinize” operation recently carried out by the National Crime Agency (NCA) of the United Kingdom has revealed the connection between illegal vapes and criminal financial activities. This discovery also confirms the previous concerns of parliamentarians and public health advocates: if the ban is not properly implemented, it may, as in the case of Australia, provide new operational space for organized crime groups.
Furthermore, ELFBAR welcomed the recent £10 million grant announced by the British government. The funds will be used to support the National Trading Standards and add 80 trainee law enforcement officers to deal with the challenges of the continuous expansion of the illegal commodity market. At present, illegal vape products have accounted for at least one-third of the total market in the UK.
Eve Peters. Director of government affairs for ELFBAR in the UK, said,
- “We welcome the joint actions of multiple institutions to combat the illegal vape market and also welcome the increased resource support for the Bureau of Trade Standards. This institution has long shouldered the important responsibility of curbing illegal trade under the circumstances of limited resources.”
Peters also pointed out that as the ban approaches, the government urgently needs to introduce a more explicit specialized law enforcement strategy and allocate resources to relevant law enforcement agencies that match the challenges to prevent illegal retailers from continuing to sell vape products to minors.
ELFBAR suggests establishing a retail licensing system similar
In terms of regulatory mechanisms, ELFBAR supports the industry’s call for the establishment of a vape retail licensing system, referring to the regulatory framework constructed by the Alcohol Licensing Act of 2003. ELFBAR pointed out that if clear and enforceable regulations can be established for the sale of vapes, it will help curb illegal circulation and protect responsible and compliant retailers.
ELFBAR also emphasized the regulatory blind spots after the implementation of the ban. Although sales will be banned. The import of disposable vapes will remain legal after June 1st. Peters believes this will become an important “loophole” in the illegal sales chain. She suggested that the government launch a publicity campaign covering consumers, retailers and all parties in the supply chain to ensure that market entities have a full understanding and preparation of the ban’s content and its impact.
Peters pointed out that vapes still play a positive role in helping people quit smoking and are an important tool for achieving the goal of a smoke-free Britain.
- “Combating illegal trade is not only for protecting the community, but also related to public health and the sustainable development of the industry.”
