ELFBAR Commissioned Research: UK Ban May Lead To A Surge in Illegal Products And A Rebound in Smoking Rates

ELFBAR commissioned research: UK ban may lead to a surge in illegal products and a rebound in smoking rates

A study commissioned by ELFBAR shows that the UK e-cigarette ban could lead to three million smokers returning to smoking or turning to illegal e-cigarettes, and ELFBAR calls on the government to reassess the potential consequences of this policy.

According to Talking Retail on November 6th, a study commissioned by e-cigarette brand ELFBAR in May 2024 showed that a ban on disposable e-cigarettes in the UK, along with taste bans, standardized unmarked packaging, and a ban on retail displays, could have serious consequences.

The survey involved 6000 adults, and the results showed that 58% (over 3 million) of smokers and recent smokers who have quit using e-cigarettes (less than five years ago) may face the risk of smoking more, re smoking, or switching to illegal e-cigarettes.

ELFBAR believes that the government must carefully weigh a large amount of evidence to prove that electronic cigarettes are an effective tool and recognized method for helping smokers overcome nicotine addiction.

Given that the ban on disposable e-cigarettes has affected over 60% of the UK e-cigarette market, ELFBAR stated that it is necessary to assess the impact of this measure on advancing national health goals.

Eve Peters, Director of UK Government Affairs at ELFBAR, stated that,

I am pleased to see that the bill includes provisions for a licensing system and a commitment to strengthening enforcement, which demonstrates the government's communication and listening to opinions from numerous individuals in the field

Although we recognize and support taking action to address the issue of adolescent vaping, it must be acknowledged that e-cigarette products, including disposable e-cigarettes, are key smoking cessation aids that help millions of adult smokers quit

The impact assessment by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) indicates that three out of every ten existing e-cigarette users may resume or return to smoking due to the ban. Officials warn that an increase in smoking can lead to significant health adverse effects, seriously endangering the government's smoke-free goals. Therefore, we urge the government to carefully evaluate the evidence, especially regarding taste, before considering further restrictions on e-cigarettes, which is crucial for adult smokers and has been confirmed by multiple independent studies