61% of disposable users could turn to illicit vapes after ban

A new consumer survey commissioned by vaping retailer, Evapo, reveals a growing concern that the imminent disposable vape ban, and Government plans to increase vape taxes could trigger a surge in illicit vaping products and risk reversing years of progress in helping smokers quit.

The online survey gathered responses from 726 UK-based participants in April this year. Participants included current and former users of disposable vapes and other vaping products. 61% said they would consider buying illicit vapes if they were readily available after the disposables ban comes into effect.

30% added that rising prices due to taxes could drive them to return to smoking, while 44% of respondents believe that increased costs could both push vapers back to smoking and deter smokers from switching.

Also in the results, 67% of users said that disposables had helped them completely quit smoking, while 93% said vaping in general helped them quit, highlighting the unintended health risks of restricting access.

Evapo said this mirrors patterns seen internationally. In Australia, for example, where heavy restrictions were placed on nicotine vapes, reports found a huge increase of illicit sales with products easily accessible online and in shops. In the USA, patchwork bans in states like Massachusetts led to higher sales of illegal and counterfeit vaping products.

“These findings highlight a very real unintended consequence,” said Andrej Kuttruf, Evapo CEO. “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.”

“Unless changes are implemented alongside education and safer, accessible alternatives, the UK could face a rising underground market.”

With vaping set to become 60–75% more expensive from October 2026 due to new taxes, the retailer warns that unless changes are implemented alongside education and safer, accessible alternatives, the UK could face a rising underground market and a resurgence in smoking rates.