What Does 2026 Have in Store for Vaping?

The onslaught on vaping is set to continue 2026, with a number of countries looking to enact stricter laws to either ban or regulate vaping. Intense lobbying and pressure from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2025, saw several countries turn to various form of bans to curb youth vaping. Countries such as United Kingdom and New Zealand, who are considered leaders in advocating for tobacco harm reduction, also introduced single use vapes bans to curb youth vaping.

The WHO’s 2025 Global Tobacco Epidemic report, states that as of 2024, 133 countries (out of 195 in total) have introduced some form of regulatory framework for Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), including e-cigarettes or vapes. Among these, 42 countries – covering a population of 2.7 billion people – have taken the strongest approach by implementing outright bans on the sale of ENDS. An additional 91 countries, home to 3.7 billion people, have adopted various legislative measures that range from partial restrictions to more comprehensive controls.

Despite tacit acknowledgement that vaping is less harmful than smoking, there seems to be a leaning towards erring on the side of caution when it comes to vaping, based on the fear that tobacco companies are creating new customers through vaping and as the WHO has always stated ‘prevention is better than cure’. Unfortunately, this comes at the expense of adult vapers, who have managed to quit smokers with the aid of vaping and adult smokers, who by perception will think that vaping is more harmful than smoking and not be encouraged to try vaping.

How 2026 is Shaping Up?

With the WHO and anti-vaping groups intensifying their efforts, more countries, including South Africa, will look to follow the 133 countries that have introduced regulatory frameworks for ENDS.

Already, Mexico has enacted a law prohibits the manufacture, importation, distribution, and commercialisation of vaping products. Penalties for violations include one to eight years in prison and fines. Germany is preparing to ban certain flavours and cooling agents in e-cigarettes as part of a new public health push, citing concerns that these additives – particularly in sweet or fruity varieties – may pose serious health risks and could attract younger consumers.

The UK government is pushing ahead with a Tobacco and Vapes Bill that encompasses restrictions on flavours and marketing, alongside the establishment of a retail licensing scheme to deter young people from starting the habit.

With the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) throwing its weight behind the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill (TPEDSC), there looks to be enough numbers to pass the bill in parliament. What is uncertain is whether the bill will be passed in its current form or law makers will heed the calls of the vaping industry to ensure that scientific evidence forms the basis of the regulation on vaping or will they accede to the pressure of the WHO and anti-vaping groups to enact strict measures on vaping that will be tantamount to bans.

What Are the Potential Draw Backs of Prohibitive Regulations?

Prohibitive regulations have drawbacks and lead to growth in black markets that deprives governments of revenue and promotes criminal networks. According to UK convenience insight agency Talysis, its Clarity by Talysis platform shows vape unit sales in convenience stores have dropped 20.8%, nearly eight months after the disposable vape ban came into force. A survey by Haypp revealed that 35% of disposable vape users  in the UK, buy them from the black market since the ban on the sale of disposable vapes in June 2025.

In conclusion

it is hoped that countries such as South Africa adopt a balanced approach to vaping Should the TPEDSC bill be passed in its current form, it is no doubt that the size of the legal vaping market will shrink, as compliance costs will rise. This will in turn lead to a surge in the illicit vape market that will have devastating consequences for public health, jobs, the environment, and the economy.