UK Vapers Stockpiling Ahead of Disposable Vape Ban

Reports indicate UK vapers are hoarding disposable e-cigarettes as a new sales ban approaches next month, with online sales surging.

Vape users in the United Kingdom are reportedly “stockpiling” disposable e-cigarette devices as a ban, set to be implemented by the Labour government, approaches next month. Online vape retailers have observed a significant surge in orders, with sales of some popular flavors more than doubling in the past month as consumers hoard devices that will soon be illegal to sell.

Sales Spike as Ban Looms; Enforcement Concerns Raised

The impending ban on disposable vapes, a measure initially proposed by the Conservative government last January, aims to curb the widespread use of fruit-flavored vapes among children. New rules, effective from June 1st, will prohibit corner shops, supermarkets, and online tobacconists from selling these single-use devices, requiring users to switch to reusable alternatives.

Dan Marchant, a founder of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) and operator of the online store Vape Club, confirmed a “significant uplift in disposable sales over the past three to four weeks,” with increases ranging from 50 to 100 percent. He suggested users are creating a “safety blanket” to avoid returning to smoking while they find suitable reusable devices.

This stockpiling occurs amidst warnings from trading standards officers who claim they lack sufficient funding to effectively enforce the ban or tackle the existing illicit tobacco market. Meanwhile, separate research from University College London (UCL) indicated a recent decline in disposable vape use among 16 to 24-year-olds, a key demographic for these products.

News source: Vapes being ‘stockpiled’ ahead of Labour ban

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.