Vaping suppliers are preparing for the disposables ban by heavily discounting goods, allegedly seeking loopholes, and making one final attempt to stop the legislation. A source close to the government told Better Retailing trade bodies are pushing for a nine-month sell-through period, as opposed to initial proposals of six months, for the disposables ban announced last month. They said: “We’re hearing whispers all around the place, but the ban could come in as early as March 2025. Realistically, it will be the summer.”
According to Marina Murphy, senior director of scientific and medical affairs at Alternative Nicotine Delivery Solutions, several suppliers have begun selling disposable vapes at heavily discounted prices to get rid of stock. Retailers reported Washington Vapes, Vape Club and E-Cigarette Direct among suppliers that had discounted stock. Washington Vapes had listed some Elfbar 600 lines for 70p, Vape Club was selling Lost Mary on a three-for-£12 promotion, while E-Cigarette Direct listed 10-for-£34 on Found Mary.
Each of those products were listed as £5.99 RRP for a single unit on Booker. It means retailers who purchased the 70p Elfbars would make 88% margin on a single unit, as opposed to 63% from Booker.
Sector devalued
Commenting on the risk, Murphy told Better Retailing: “The ban has devalued the sector and people don’t know what to do with the stock. They might have stock in warehouses or already en route to the UK.
“The understandable reaction is to reduce prices to reduce stock. When prices start dropping drastically, it puts huge pressure on everybody else to do the same. The government allowed a transition period of several years when the menthol, packaging and display bans on tobacco were introduced. Compared to six months for the vape sector to completely change direction, it doesn’t make sense. There have already been huge investments made by the legitimate industry in the UK, and the sector should be given sufficient time to refocus, restructure and reinvest.”
As well as increased risks of rogue traders selling to children, Murphy warned retailers taking advantage of discounted vapes could be left sitting on stockpiles when the ban comes into force.
One major wholesaler added: “The top suppliers and brands are more focused on bringing the next generation of compliant ‘future-proof’ products into the market. I don’t think it’s in their interests to devalue their brands now.”
Rogue trader risk
Meanwhile, the source close to government added there could be a risk of rogue suppliers disguising disposables as rechargeable devices to circumvent the ban. They added several major retailers had also begun delisting disposable vapes.
The newly formed Vape Protection Alliance (VPA) has also launched a crowdfund seeking £75,000 to launch legal action against the government. Formed by vape accreditation body Arcus Compliance, the crowdfund has so far raised more than £30,000 and received support from Riot Labs, E-Cig Store and Eco Vape.
The VPA said: “Our case has the potential to make a significant difference to the hundreds of legitimate vape businesses. “Supporters of this action are not looking to prevent a ban of
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