UK Study Reveals: 40% of Users May Turn to Black Market Due to Ban, 26% Switch to Nicotine Pouches

Sep.30.2024
UK Study Reveals: 40% of Users May Turn to Black Market Due to Ban, 26% Switch to Nicotine Pouches
Upcoming UK E-cigarette ban prompts concern over users turning to unregulated products, study shows.

A recent study conducted by OnePoll.com for nicotine pouch brand Übbs and retailer Haypp reveals significant insights into e-cigarette users’ attitudes and behaviors ahead of new UK legislation expected in 2025. The survey, which included 1,020 e-cigarette users, found that 39% might purchase e-cigarettes from unregulated sources not subjected to official safety checks.

 

Additionally, the research uncovered that a third of the respondents anticipate an increase in their nicotine consumption. However, 22% view the impending laws as a catalyst for quitting their e-cigarette habit. Übbs commissioned the study to align with the UK government's commitment to achieving a "smoke-free Britain."

 

The forthcoming legislation aims to restrict the sale and usage of disposable e-cigarettes. Following the announcement of this ban, 24% of participants have attempted to quit e-cigarettes, while 26% have switched to alternatives such as traditional cigarettes (36%), nicotine pouches (26%), and gum (25%). Alarmingly, 85% of respondents had smoked cigarettes before switching to e-cigarettes, with 52% fearing a return to smoking once the ban is enforced.

 

Übbs spokesperson Steve McGeough expressed concern over the possibility of users reverting to smoking or purchasing unsafe, unregulated e-cigarettes. He emphasized the need for accessible, safe, and regulated alternatives like nicotine pouches to support the country’s smoke-free objectives.

 

Despite the availability of alternatives, 73% of e-cigarette users have not tried them. Among those who have, 28% prefer cigarettes, 21% are open to gum, and 25% favor nicotine pouches. Moreover, 30% of users are aware of the dangers associated with unregulated e-cigarettes, with common indicators being the absence of nicotine warning labels (41%) and emissions testing information (30%).

 

When considering alternatives, 52% prioritize the product's flavor and smell, followed by safety and quality (50%), and discretion (33%). Common frustrations with e-cigarettes include battery depletion (32%), restricted usage in specific locations (30%), and missing social interactions due to smoking breaks (23%).

 

Markus Lindbald, Haypp's spokesperson, highlighted the positive trend of users seeking safer alternatives like nicotine pouches before the ban’s implementation, suggesting such products could significantly contribute to lowering smoking rates and improving public health.

This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

KT&G’s Heated Tobacco Brand “lil” Named to Korea’s Brand Hall of Fame for Eighth Consecutive Year
KT&G’s Heated Tobacco Brand “lil” Named to Korea’s Brand Hall of Fame for Eighth Consecutive Year
KT&G said its heated tobacco brand “lil” was selected as an outstanding brand in the heated tobacco category of the “2026 Korea Brand Hall of Fame,” marking its eighth straight year on the list. The awards are organized by the Industrial Policy Research Institute (IPS) and determined through a composite evaluation of customer satisfaction, brand value and market performance.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Court Sentences Shrewsbury Retailer for Illegal Vape and Counterfeit Tobacco Sales
UK Court Sentences Shrewsbury Retailer for Illegal Vape and Counterfeit Tobacco Sales
A UK local authority has secured convictions against a Shrewsbury retailer and its former director for selling illegal disposable vapes, counterfeit tobacco and a nicotine vape to a minor, highlighting continued enforcement against non-compliant nicotine products.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. FDA Posts Final ZYN MRTP Materials, Sets March 4 Deadline for Public Comments
U.S. FDA Posts Final ZYN MRTP Materials, Sets March 4 Deadline for Public Comments
U.S. FDA has released the final batch of materials for ZYN MRTP applications and set March 4 (11:59 p.m. ET) as the deadline for public comments to be considered in the agency’s review.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nicotine pouch brand SNÜ launches three fruit flavours, keeps “rub-and-smell” label to reduce retail shrink
Nicotine pouch brand SNÜ launches three fruit flavours, keeps “rub-and-smell” label to reduce retail shrink
UK nicotine pouch brand SNÜ has added three new flavours—Wild Cherry, Cherry Cola and Tropical Punch—spanning multiple nicotine strengths from 9mg to 60mg. The new products also retain the brand’s “rub-and-smell” packaging feature, designed to let shoppers preview the aroma without opening the can and help lower in-store product loss.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Police dismantle a network of 50+ stores selling unmarked nicotine products in the Moscow region
Police dismantle a network of 50+ stores selling unmarked nicotine products in the Moscow region
TASS reported that police dismantled a distribution network in the Moscow region selling nicotine-containing products, e-cigarettes and vapes without mandatory markings, with organizers earning more than 10 million rubles per month (more than about $130,000). Interior Ministry spokesperson Irina Volk said some items were labeled with counterfeit identification tools of the Chestny Znak system, while others had no codes.
Dec.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. FDA posts TPSAC meeting materials ahead of discussion on ZYN MRTP applications
U.S. FDA posts TPSAC meeting materials ahead of discussion on ZYN MRTP applications
On January 20, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted meeting materials ahead of a virtual Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) meeting scheduled for January 22, 2026, to discuss modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) applications submitted by Swedish Match USA, Inc. for 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products.
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai