Are E-Cigarettes Facing a Ban in the EK?

Are E-Cigarettes Facing a Ban in the EK?
The short answer is: no, e-cigarettes are not under threat of being banned in the UK (again).

Recently, several articles surfaced referencing a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) that suggested governments consider banning e-cigarettes with open vape systems—those that allow users to add their own e-liquids. The rationale behind this recommendation is the potential risk of users inhaling harmful substances that could be mixed into their e-liquids.

This news may be disheartening for those who enjoy the diverse array of flavors and combinations available for their vaping devices. Such a ban would restrict sales to only pre-filled pods, like those used in the Dot Pro system, where only manufacturers would have access to the e-liquid.

However, it’s important to note that this suggestion from the WHO does not appear to be based on any new evidence. The upcoming Conference of Parties for the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC COP9) will take place in The Hague later this year, where government representatives will discuss e-cigarettes and tobacco issues. The Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) is actively participating in these discussions to ensure that the UK’s significant progress in vaping regulation is recognized and appreciated.

Public Health England (PHE) has asserted that vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking, and the NHS supports vaping as an effective tool for quitting smoking. The UK continues to lead the way in harm reduction strategies, with recent research from King’s College London indicating that vaping products are more effective than traditional nicotine replacement therapies for smoking cessation.

The IBVTA has also responded to these recent articles, firmly rejecting the notion that the UK is at risk of banning vaping products.

While the reasons behind the spread of misleading articles regarding a potential ban on vaping remain unclear, it seems highly unlikely that the UK will alter its current position on vaping.