UK’s Disposable Vape Ban Backfires: New Report Reveals Surge in Illicit Sales

A new report from Haypp Group has confirmed what many in the harm reduction community warned months ago — that banning disposable vapes has driven consumers straight into the black market rather than curbing demand. 

According to the Haypp report, six months after the UK’s June 2025 disposable vape ban, a staggering 62.5% of vapers are still using banned devices. Among 25–34-year-olds, that number is 82%, showing the ban has done little to reduce use — and may have made things worse. 

💡 Black Market Expansion 

Additionally, 35% of disposable vape users are still actively purchasing banned products, underscoring the rise of an underground market that is increasingly mainstream. 

The report found: 

55% of consumers are buying disposables from local corner shops 

37% from vape stores 

34% from supermarkets 

28% online 

This data paints a clear picture — enforcement is not just a matter of tracking street sales or social media sellers. Embedded in ordinary retail channels, the UK’s disposable ban is nearly impossible to enforce without sweeping overreach. 

⚠️ Mounting Safety Concerns 

Nearly 79% of users reported using devices purchased before the ban, meaning many are vaping from products with expired batteries, degraded materials, and poor storage conditions — a far cry from the regulated, quality-controlled market the government dismantled. 

As Haypp’s Markus Lindblad noted, “the ban is not yet working as expected.” Instead, it has fostered a dangerous gray market — one where consumers have less access to product information, quality assurances, or proper disposal channels. 

🧭 A Better Path Forward 

Rather than blanket bans, experts and industry advocates continue to push for regulated retail licensing, product testing, and age-restricted access — measures proven to work in reducing youth uptake while maintaining adult access to harm-reduction alternatives. 

Haypp’s report echoes that message, welcoming the UK government’s emerging plans for a retail licensing scheme to restore transparency and accountability to the marketplace. 

🗣️ The Takeaway 

The UK’s experience is a cautionary tale for policymakers worldwide: prohibition doesn’t eliminate demand — it only eliminates oversight. 

When adult consumers lose access to safer, legal products, the vacuum is quickly filled. 

As the data shows, the disposable vape ban hasn’t solved the problem — it’s pushed it underground. 

For more details, see the full Haypp Group report: UK Vape Ban Not Working as Expected – Haypp Group