Newsmaker • Zagran Distro

Zagran Distro stock was further discounted in the effort to boost Spring sales. Explore updated Comprehensive Trade Catalogue https://zagran.co.uk/order.html

Newsmaker • HMRC

HMRC focus shifted to operational readiness for the VPD. The key developments include: industry workshops on HMRC registration processes were held across the UK & software providers updated.

Newsmaker • UKVIA

UKVIA published its annual report, highlighting: (1) 2025 as a transformative year for the sector due to significant regulatory changes, (2) Progress on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, and (3) «Success of the Be Vape Vigilant» campaign, which received approximately 1,500 reports of suspected illegal or underage vape sales. Ongoing engagement with policymakers on proportionate regulation continues. Report: https://ukvia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ukvia_Annual-report-2025.pdf

Newsmaker • HMRC

Preparations for the Vaping Products Duty (VPD), scheduled for 1 October 2026, gained momentum. HMRC published initial guidance on taxation rates and reporting requirements.

Newsmaker • Season Factors

Seasonal factors influenced sales patterns. Observations:

1. Growth in sales.

Nicotine pouch sales grew by 81 % in convenience stores

2. Product promotions.

Holiday promotions for reusable devices boosted customer acquisition.

3. Trends.

Industry focused on supply chain resilience ahead of upcoming regulatory changes.

Newsmaker • In-House Experts (Zagran Ltd)

Financial performance indicators showed market stabilisation. Observations:

1. Sales Up.

The reusable device category was valued at approximately £182 million, with sales up 65 %

2. Retailers Feedbacks.

Major retailers reported improved margins on refillable systems compared to disposables.

3. Research & Development.

Investment in research and development for next generation devices increased.

Newsmaker • In-House Experts (Zagran Ltd)

Broader market shifts became evident. Observations:

1. Nic Pouch Sales.

Growth in nicotine pouch sales, particularly among younger consumers.

2. Trends.

Launch of industry-led safety certification for refillable devices.

Newsmaker • In-House Experts (Zagran Ltd)

Industry data revealed significant structural changes. Statistics: (1) UK sales of rechargeable/reusable devices reached 7.21 million units over the four weeks, representing a 56 % decline compared to disposable device sales in the same period a year earlier; (2) Average retail price of refillable systems stabilised at £24.99, down from £28.50 in previous month; (3) Regional variations emerged, with higher adoption rates in urban areas compared to rural locations.

Newsmaker • In-House Experts (Zagran Ltd)

Continued market transformation. Observations: (1) Refillable pod systems and pre-filled vape kits saw sustained growth; (2) Some manufacturers introduced loyalty schemes to encourage customers to switch to reusable devices; (3) Trading standards conducted targeted inspections in areas with high concentrations of vape retailers; (4) Consumer complaints about product quality in refillable systems prompted industry self-regulation efforts.

Newsmaker • In-House Experts (Zagran Ltd)

Market adaptation accelerated. Key developments: (1) Sales of refillable pod systems increased by 38 % month-on-month; (2) Convenience stores reported a 22 % increase in customer inquiries about reusable devices; (3) Online marketplaces tightened listing policies to prevent the sale of prohibited items.

Newsmaker • In-House Experts (Zagran Ltd)

The ban on single-use vaping devices came into force. Immediate effects: (1) It became unlawful to sell, supply, or advertise single-use vaping products in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland; (2) Enforcement powers were delegated to local trading standards authorities, with penalties established. Retailers found in possession of single-use devices after the deadline were required to either: return them to the supplier or dispose of them in accordance with waste regulations.

Post-implementation observations: (A) The proportion of vapers primarily using single-use devices had decreased from 30 % in 2024 to 24 % by early 2025; (B) Digital search trends showed a sharp decline in online queries for «disposable vapes» after mid-June; a rise in searches for «refillable pod kits» and «reusable vaping devices» (based on The Mirror review).

Trading standards teams conducted initial compliance checks, issuing warnings to non‑compliant retailers.

Newsmaker • In-House Experts (Zagran Ltd)

Regulatory and industry preparations intensified ahead of the 1 June deadline. Key updates: (1) The Government published detailed guidance for retailers, outlining definitions of prohibited products (i.e., single-use, non-rechargeable devices); permitted alternatives (reusable, refillable systems); procedures for the safe disposal of discontinued stock.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) confirmed that member stores were updating point-of-sale systems; training staff on the new rules and reviewing procurement contracts with suppliers.

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) released preliminary data showing a decline in single-use vape usage among regular vapers, attributed in part to awareness of the upcoming ban.

Local authorities coordinated with trading standards teams to prepare for enforcement activities post 1 June.

Newsmaker • Government

The Government formally reaffirmed the 1 June 2025 implementation date for the single-use vape ban. Notable developments: (1) The DHSC issued a public notice confirming the scope of the prohibition, which covers sale and supply of disposable vaping devices & marketing and advertising of single0use products.

Retailers received guidance on managing remaining stock, including options for return to suppliers or disposal in accordance with environmental regulations.

Newsmaker • In-House Experts (Zagran Ltd)

The industry entered an intensive preparatory phase ahead of the 1 June 2025 ban on single-use vaping devices. Key activities: (1) Retailers conducted comprehensive stock audits to quantify remaining inventory of single-use devices; (2) Manufacturers accelerated product development cycles for refillable and reusable systems.

Market analysts observed a gradual shift in consumer preference towards refillable pod systems, reflecting anticipation of the regulatory change. Local authorities began training trading standards officers in enforcement protocols.