From 1 July 2025, it will no longer be legal to sell disposable e-cigarettes in the UK. The controversial ban has sparked both political debate and criticism from professionals, and now a new UK study shows that it could have far-reaching consequences - not least in terms of increased black market trade and health risks for consumers.

The study, commissioned by a major Nordic player in the nicotine products market, suggests that up to a third of the country's current users are prepared to acquire the products through unofficial channels when the ban comes into force.

Black market on the rise

Experience from other countries that have tried to restrict access to vape products shows that the market largely just moves - from regulated to unregulated trade. The UK is at risk of repeating this scenario, warn researchers at the University of Derby, who conducted the study.

According to the findings, which include responses from UK adult users over the age of 18, around a third say they would continue to use disposable vapes even after a ban - in many cases by buying them on the black market. Men aged between 35 and 54 are particularly likely to take that step.

Health risks and uncontrolled content

At the same time, the researchers point out a serious consequence: the products on the illegal market are not subject to any form of regulatory control and may therefore contain harmful substances. Several analyses have shown elevated levels of heavy metals such as copper, nickel and lead in unapproved e-cigarettes - substances that can be harmful to the body in large quantities.

"The ban will most likely lead to increased black market trading. It will be impossible to guarantee the safety of the products that will continue to circulate," says Markus Lindblad, Head of Communications at the Swedish company Haypp Group, which is behind the study.

Vulnerable youth and uncertain future for alternatives

Statistics from NHS England show that one in four minors have tried e-cigarettes and one in ten do so regularly. Among 16-17 year olds, the figure is even higher. Disposable vapes are by far the most common among young users - around 70 per cent use this particular type.

With around 5.6 million vape users in the UK, authorities are faced with a big task: How to ensure that legislation is enforced and that it doesn't lead to unforeseen health problems - either because consumers switch to unregulated products or because they turn to alternatives like pod systems that will remain legal?

Conflicts of interest should be taken into account

It should be noted that the study was commissioned by a commercial player with a financial interest in the market. This raises natural questions about independence and methodological approach. Nonetheless, it is emphasised that the analysis was carried out by the university itself and that the conclusions are therefore subject to academic standards.