London – The government of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced its intention to implement increased regulations on vaping products sold in the UK. The plans include banning disposable e-cigarettes and restricting flavors beyond tobacco, menthol, mint, and unspecified fruit options. Additional measures would require plain packaging devoid of branding for all vaping products and limit in-store displays.
The government stated the actions aim to curb rising youth vaping rates which it claims are linked to disposable models and certain flavor profiles that allegedly appeal more to underage users. However, studies indicate disposable bans could substantially impact the 2.6 million adult vapers in Britain who rely on vaping as a smoking alternative. Major public health groups like Action on Smoking and Health also oppose disposable bans.
The regulations will be part of upcoming legislation pending parliamentary approval. Once introduced separately as bills focused on prohibiting cigarette sales to those born after 2009 and tightening vaping oversight, respectively, the proposals allow opportunities for vaping advocates and industry stakeholders to contact Members of Parliament with concerns in advance of voting.
While further government consultation will finalize details, initial reporting suggests taxation of vaping products for the first time when the next budget releases on March 6th. As research shows vaping taxes correlate with increased smoking, health experts have raised additional concerns over deterring adult smokers from switching.
Vaping trade organizations caution removing popular adult-preferred flavors risks reducing vaping’s appeal as a positive alternative for the country’s 7 million remaining smokers. However, the government contends firm actions are an obligation to protect youth regardless of unintended consequences.
