When the disposable vape ban was introduced in June this year, there was a warning from some in the industry that the black market would be boosted as a result.
As Convenience Store has regularly reported, there have been many signs of a rapidly growing black market for disposable vapes, and Trading Standards have been regularly making seizures of the now illegal product.
Today (22 October), vape retailer Haypp has released data indicating the ban is not working, uncovering the real scale of the black market in disposable vapes.
According to new research, a huge 62.5% of vapers are still using disposables. This figure is significantly higher for those aged 25-34, with 82% saying they are still using the banned devices.
More alarmingly, 35% of disposable vape users say they are still buying disposable vapes.
While it’s not illegal to have possession of a disposable vape, it is illegal for disposable vapes to be sold. The challenge for the authorities is that with so many vapers reporting they’re still able to purchase banned devices, it indicates a thriving black market and huge numbers of unscrupulous retailers.
The latest data shows where vapers go to purchase black market disposable vapes, with local smaller shops at the top of the list (55%). Specialist vape shops are also on the list, coming in second (37%). However, supermarkets, online retailers and even car boot sales are also on the list.
Unfortunately, the trend looks set to continue, as 14% admitted that they plan to continue purchasing disposable vapes in the future.
Worryingly, 78.5% of respondents are using disposable vapes purchased before the ban, posing serious safety hazards. Disposable vapes typically have a shelf life of 12 to 24 months, but poor storage conditions can shorten that dramatically.
The sealed lithium-ion batteries can become unstable when exposed to heat, moisture or physical damage, especially if stored in large quantities. Anyone still stockpiling vapes should seriously consider disposing of these products.
Another unwanted potential impact of the ban was that some vapers would return to smoking, and around 6% of vape users admitted they have started smoking cigarettes again.
“A staggering 62.5% of vapers continue to use these illegal devices.”
Markus Lindblad (left), head of external affairs at Haypp, said: “The data clearly demonstrates the disposable vape ban is not yet working as expected. A staggering 62.5% of vapers continue to use these illegal devices.
“The widespread availability of these illegal devices points to a very active black market that will be very difficult to police. In addition, we see that people have obviously stockpiled large quantities of disposable vapes, which presents its own safety issues.
“In this context, the Government’s plan to introduce a retail licensing scheme for tobacco and nicotine products is a welcome and necessary move.”
1 Readers' comment