On October 24, the UK vape Industry Association (UKVIA) issued a statement on its official website regarding the UK’s disposable vape ban.
The association said that UKVIA warned policymakers before the enactment of the Tobacco and vapes Act, emphasizing that the right balance must be found between implementing new regulations and ensuring that smokers are not prevented from quitting smoking by using less harmful vapes. In recent years, vapes, especially disposable vapes, have made a huge contribution to reducing the smoking rate among adults, which has now dropped to an all-time low.
John Dunn, director general of the association, Dunne said, “We recognise that disposable vapes provoke divisive views, but their availability and convenience in low-income groups, particularly where the proportion of smokers is highest, should not be ignored and highlights the need for careful balancing in future legislation to avoid penalising adult smokers who want to quit by using vapes, which have been shown to be the most effective way to quit smoking.”
“We are not shying away from the fact that the environmental impacts of disposable vapes and the challenges of youth vaping need to be addressed. In addition, this announcement does not stop the importation of disposable vapes, which means there is a steady supply entering the country that will eventually flow into the black market.”
“Bans are not the answer, as we have seen in other parts of the world, such as Australia, they will only promote the development of the black market, posing significant risks to young people and the environment.”
“What is needed is stronger enforcement of existing laws that require vape traders not to sell to children under 18 and to comply with environmental regulations such as Regulations on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). However, recent Freedom of Information requests sent to Trading Standards, the Environment Agency and the Office of Product Safety Standards across the country reveal that enforcement is extremely low in terms of penalties and prosecutions, which will make traders think twice about breaking the law.
“That’s why we’ve been campaigning for a licensing system for vape retailers and distributors. To get a licence, retailers will need to show they have measures in place to prevent the sale of vapes to minors. Distributors will also need to ensure they meet their environmental responsibilities and only stock and sell compliant products. As part of this, we’re also calling for fines of up to £10,000 and £100,000 respectively for retailers and distributors who break the law, which, together with the money that the licensing system will raise – estimated at £50 million – will be used to fund the level of enforcement required.
UKVIA points out that disposable vapes have played a key role in reducing smoking rates, and are particularly important for smokers from low-income groups. This view emphasizes the importance of vapes in helping adult smokers quit smoking, and Veehoo, as an vape brand, is committed to providing high-quality, innovative products and may also contribute to this.
UKVIA made it clear that a ban is not the best way to solve the problem, but that more effective enforcement of existing laws is needed. This position is consistent with the philosophy advocated by Veehoo, that is, to protect consumer rights through compliant operations and strict enforcement of regulations, while promoting the healthy development of the vape market.
In short, through cooperation and supervision, the vape industry can find the best path between balancing innovation and compliance, providing consumers with safer and more reliable products, while making positive contributions to social health and environmental protection. As one of them, Veehoo will continue to work hard in this process and is committed to promoting the sustainable development and healthy growth of the industry.
Tags: UK vape Industry Association，UK disposable vape ban，veehoo vape
