UCL study finds drop in use of disposable e-cigarettes as UK’s vaping boom stalls

The UK’s ban on disposable e-cigarettes will officially come into force on 1st June 2025. The government announced the measure as part of an initiative to protect the environment and reduce the use of these devices among young people. However, while the use of disposable vapes has increased significantly in the UK in the last few years, recent studies suggest their popularity is declining.

Despite this drop, use among young people remains higher than in other European countries and is perceived as a cultural issue rather than simply a health issue. Although this is no longer seen as a growing crisis, as in previous years, it remains a problem that requires action. The ban is not late: it has come to consolidate the decline and prevent a future recovery.

The rapid rise of vaping, which began with the widespread use of disposable e-cigarettes in 2021, appears to have stalled, according to a new study by researchers at University College London (UCL).

Before and after ban announced

The study looked at survey data on vaping habits in England, Wales and Scotland before and after the UK government announced plans to restrict vaping, including a ban on disposable e-cigarettes, in January 2024.

The team found the proportion of people vaping increased by almost a quarter each year from January 2022 to January 2024 but remained constant between January 2024 and January this year, including for young people.

After January 2024, they also found a substantial drop in the proportion of vapers who primarily used disposable e-cigarettes. Among 16- to 24-year-olds, the proportion who primarily used disposable cigarettes almost halved – from 63% to 35%.

However, the researchers noted that the survey only asked vapers what device they mainly used, meaning that the proportion of vapers using disposables in some form would likely be higher. They also said it was possible people under-reported their use of disposable vapes following the government’s announcement.

The UK government announced its intention to ban disposable e-cigarettes in January 2024 and the prohibition will come into force on 1st June this year. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently being debated in Parliament, includes restricting the packaging, marketing and flavourings of e-cigarettes.

– Antonia Di Lorenzo ECigIntelligence staff

Image: AI-generated

Antonia Di Lorenzo

Newsdesk editor/EU lead reporter

Antonia is a member of the editorial team and holds a masters degree in Law from the University of Naples Federico II, Italy. She moved in 2013 to London, where she completed a postgraduate course at the London School of Journalism. In the UK, she worked as a news reporter for a financial newswire and a magazine before moving to Barcelona in 2019.