With just days to go until the disposable vape ban on 1 June, industry experts have raised concerns that over half a million vapers are at risk of purchasing potentially dangerous illegal vapes.
Data from a national study reveals that one in ten, or approximately 600,000, UK vapers report being ‘left in the dark’, and haven’t seen any news or government messaging about the upcoming ban.
Industry experts warn the disposable vape ban risks a new generation of illegal and potentially dangerous vaping products entering the UK market, following inadequate enforcement of current regulations.
This data comes from a new survey of 2,000 vapers across the UK, obtained by Vape Club, in May 2025.
The industry continues to call for the launch of the Vape Retailer and Distributor Licensing framework to effectively regulate the growing black market in the sector.
Similarly, nearly a quarter of current vapers say they would purchase non-compliant or illicit vaping products to cut down on costs.
With legal disposable products no longer available, experts say that turning to illegal sources risks exposure to unsafe and unregulated items.
Dan Marchant, UKVIA
The findings reveal that a significant proportion of UK vapers have already purchased suspected illegal products from local convenience stores, local vape shops, market stalls, or street traders – highlighting how easily these products can be accessed through everyday retail outlets.
Dan Marchant, director at Vape Club, said: “The new law, which comes into effect on 1 June, only makes it illegal to sell disposable vapes — it does not prohibit their use.
“This means that if you have purchased disposable vapes before the ban, you are free to continue using them until they run out. However, after June 1st, you will no longer be able to buy new ones.
“The UK already has a huge issue with illicit vape products and with the disposable vape ban coming into force, we risk a new wave of illegal and potentially dangerous vaping products flooding the black market.
“Enforcement of the regulations is severely lacking, with very little funding or resources being given to Trading Standards to effectively deal with the criminals breaking the law. And with the current penalty system being so insignificant the consequences for those who are caught are not acting as any kind of deterrent.
“This is why we are strong supporters of a robust vape retail and distribution licensing scheme, where the funds generated are ring-fenced for authorities to carry out pro-active enforcement of the laws.
“This much needed revenue could enable Border Force to catch a much greater amount of illegal products from ever entering the country, and for Trading Standards to flush out retailers flouting the law and impose significant penalties.”
