Major new research which identifies vapes as the most effective quit-smoking aid should guide UK lawmakers as they consider strict new rules on safer nicotine alternatives, say international health experts.
The landmark Cochrane review found that smokers using nicotine-containing vapes are up to 67% more likely to quit than those using traditional nicotine-replacement therapies, such as patches or gum. Vapes are also twice as effective as behavioural support alone or attempting to quit without assistance.
The findings come as the UK Government consults on proposals that include plain white packaging, restricted device colours, limits on flavour descriptions and a ban on open retail displays.
Smoke Free Sweden warns that poorly designed restrictions will make vaping less appealing to adult smokers, reinforce false perceptions that it is as dangerous as smoking and undermine one of Britain’s most successful public health interventions.
“The Cochrane review is a finding that UK policymakers cannot ignore,” said Smoke Free Sweden leader Dr Delon Human. “Nicotine vapes are helping significantly more smokers quit than conventional nicotine-replacement therapies, and the evidence supporting that conclusion is now judged to be of high certainty.
“Almost five million Britons have used vapes to quit smoking. Now is the time to build on that success. If safer alternatives are made less appealing, millions of smokers could be trapped with cigarettes, the most deadly nicotine product of all.”
Cochrane researchers examined 80 completed studies involving nearly 30,000 participants. They found that between eight and 10 of every 100 people using nicotine vapes were likely to stop smoking, compared with six using nicotine-replacement therapy and five receiving behavioural support alone or no support.
Dr Human, a former secretary-general of the World Medical Association, said the evidence strengthened the case for regulations that protect children while preserving the appeal and accessibility of safer products for adult smokers.
“Protecting children and helping adults quit are not competing goals,” he said. “The Government should introduce proportionate safeguards, including strict age verification, without weakening the products that are helping Britain eradicate cigarettes.
“Smoking kills because tobacco is burned, creating a lethal mixture of smoke, tar and toxic chemicals. Vaping provides nicotine without combustion and offers smokers an acceptable alternative that can save their lives.
“The UK’s proposed packaging and flavour rules risk driving smokers back to cigarettes. They must be judged against one crucial test: will they help smokers quit, or make cigarettes more difficult to escape?”
Smoke Free Sweden is urging doctors, researchers, consumers and public health specialists to submit evidence to the consultation before it closes on 2 October 2026.
Responses can be submitted at:
UK Government consultation on tobacco and vapes
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