Study by University College London: Users have shifted to reusable products
University College London research shows that the one-time vape ban may have a limited impact on overall use. The data shows that since the ban was announced, users have started to switch to reusable devices, especially in the 16 to 24 age group.
Key points:
- Disposable vape use decline: A study pointed out that the UK’s disposable vape ban has not yet come into effect, consumers have gradually turned to rechargeable products, and the use rate has declined significantly, especially among 16-24-year-olds.
- Overall usage is stabilizing: Data from 2022 to 2024 show that vape use in the UK is stabilizing after rising, and the ban will have a limited impact on the overall trend.
- Policy recommendations are biased towards caution: Researchers warn that further restrictions may hinder smokers’ path to quitting, suggesting a focus on marketing display and advertising restrictions.
- The government and the industry have reached a consensus: The government and industry have reached a consensus on the need to protect young people and support adult smoking cessation goals, and the Government encourages existing policies to be implemented before evaluating the next steps.
Disposable vape use decline
According to the Independent report on April 16, a new study funded by Cancer Research UK shows that the upcoming single-use vape ban in the UK may have a limited impact on the number of vape users. The study notes that since the ban was announced, there has been a gradual shift towards using refillable vape devices.
The study was based on data from the Smoking Toolkit Study, which analyzed 88,611 adults in England. Wales and Scotland between January 2022 and January 2024. The data showed that the use of vapes among people aged 16 and over increased from 8.9% to 13.5%; The proportion of disposable vape users dropped from 43.6% to 29.4%. The researchers noted that the decline was particularly pronounced among 16 – to 24-year-olds.
Overall usage is stabilizing
Academics at University College London (UCL) have pointed out that the rapid growth in vape use in the UK in recent years has “stalled”. They warned that “stricter policies” under consideration could deter smokers from using vapes to quit. Previously. The UK government has announced that disposable vapes will be banned from June 1, 2025.
The Tobacco and vape Bill currently going through Parliament also contains powers that could restrict vape packaging, marketing and taste.
Dr. Sarah Jackson of the Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care at University College London, who worked on the study,
- “The findings suggest that the single-use vape ban, implemented in June, may have a limited impact on overall vape use as users are already switching to other types.” “While action is still needed to reduce high usage, now that the situation has stabilized, policymakers may find that the more stringent policy options currently under consideration should be avoided.”
Policy recommendations are biased toward caution
Other researchers suggest that “vape use has recently leveled off in the UK”. The analysis found that between January 2022 and January 2024, adult vape use increased from 8.9% to 13.5%, while the proportion of young adults rose from 17% to 26.5%.
Scholars say,
- “Following the announcement of new policy measures in January 2024, trends in vape use at that time changed. Among adults and young adults, usage is no longer increasing, but has remained relatively stable.”
Professor Jamie Brown, also of the Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care at University College London,
- “While policymakers’ motivation to reduce vape use among children and never-smokers is understandable, smoking remains a top public health priority.”
The government and the industry have reached a consensus
He suggested prioritizing policies that less interfere with the path to quitting, such as restrictions on marketing, packaging and product displays, and combining public awareness with support measures such as “quit to quit” programs.
Caroline Cerny, vice chair of public health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), said the study was a positive sign that government policy was influencing industry and consumer behavior. She stressed that while protecting young people, adult smokers should also be supported to quit smoking.
Gillian Golden, chief executive of the Independent British vape Trade Association (IBVTA), said she welcomed the fact that consumers had gradually abandoned disposable products before the ban, and called on regulators to carefully assess the effect of the new rules before implementing them. She added that in the UK, where vape sales have been banned to under-18s and nearly 3 million people have successfully quit using vapes, there are still nearly 6 million current smokers who could benefit from safer alternatives.
A UK government spokesman said. The study provided positive evidence of a leveling off in youth vape use. The government is sticking to health advice that vapes should be used as a smoking cessation tool for adult smokers, not for children and non-smokers.
The upcoming Tobacco and vape Bill will also give the government the power to regulate vape packaging, flavors and marketing, with the goal of “creating a smoke-free generation.”
