More than one-third (34%) of adults who vape are still using disposable products despite them being banned a year ago.
Research by Merlin Strategies, commissioned by PML, found the high levels of disposable vape usage despite them being banned in June 2025. The survey also found that almost three-quarters of adults (72%) say they still regularly see disposable vapes being used by adults and more than 60% say they have seen children using such illegal vapes.
Other findings from the research included that when informed of the ban and asked how effective it has been, 28% of respondents said it has been effective, 57% said it has not been effective and 16% are unsure. 68% agreed that the government has not done enough to stop vapes or tobacco being sold to children while only 7% disagreed.
The research highlighted that while disposable vapes are widely available through the illicit market, but also legally, as so-called loophole vapes. It explains that although such products are technically compliant with the law, in practice they are meant to be used as disposable devices. The most common examples meet requirements for USB ports for recharging and reuse – yet the ports are either inoperable, or pod refills for the products are not available for sale. Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed (72%) said they support further regulation to ensure greater differentiation between disposable and reusable products.
Meanwhile 73% support more rules to ensure that vapes are not still being used as disposable vapes, only 4% oppose more rules.
Commenting on the research, managing director Philip Morris Limited (UK and Ireland), Peter Nixon, said: “The government’s ban has been a complete failure. If the UK is serious about getting rid of illegal vapes, then the government needs to stop dragging its feet and support the ban by quickly introducing a watertight licensing scheme and a tough, properly-funded enforcement regime.”
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