A new consumer survey commissioned by Evapo, one of the UK’s leading vaping retailers, reveals a growing concern that the imminent disposable vape ban, commencing 1st June, and government plans to significantly increase vape taxes could trigger a surge in illicit vaping products and risk reversing years of progress in helping smokers quit.
According to the survey, 61% of disposable users said they would consider buying illicit vapes if they were readily available after the ban comes into effect.
30% said rising prices due to taxation could drive them to return to smoking and 44% of respondents believe that increased vaping costs could both push vapers back to smoking and deter smokers from switching. 67% of disposable users said that disposable products had helped them completely quit smoking and 93% said vaping in general helped them quit smoking, highlighting the unintended health risks of restricting access.
A further 57% of disposable vapers would consider stockpiling vapes before the disposable vape ban, suggesting significant demand will not disappear but may shift underground.
This mirrors patterns seen internationally. In Australia, where heavy restrictions were placed on nicotine vapes, reports found a huge increase of illicit sales*, with these products easily accessible online and in local shops. In the United States, patchwork bans in states like Massachusetts led to higher sales of illegal and counterfeit vaping products, often with dangerous safety risks.*
“These findings highlight a very real unintended consequence,” said Andrej Kuttruf, CEO of Evapo. “Whilst the intent behind the disposable vape ban and tax increases are understandable, the reality is that a significant number of consumers are signalling they may turn to unregulated, potentially unsafe products or even return to smoking.”
With vaping set to become 60–75% more expensive from October 2026 due to new e-liquid taxes, Evapo warns that unless these changes are implemented alongside education and safer, accessible alternatives, the UK could face a rising underground market and a resurgence in smoking rates.
“Supporting responsible adult vaping and maintaining access to safer alternatives is critical if we want to continue reducing smoking in the UK,” Kuttruf added.
