Officials stunned by unintended consequence of major product ban: 'Not yet working as expected'

"Will be very difficult to police."

Following the United Kingdom's ban on disposable vapes in June, unregulated illegal markets are offering an easy alternative to many vapers, according to The Times.

What's happening?

Since the ban on disposable vapes in the U.K. was enacted, illegal vape sales have surged, with most users still able to buy them easily.

According to research by online retailer Haypp, 63% of vapers in the U.K. continue to use single-use devices, despite the ban.

More than a third of disposable vape users, roughly 21% of all vapers, admitted to purchasing them on the black market. Many reported buying them directly from corner shops or online sellers, while others stockpiled supplies before the ban.

Industry and health experts warn that the active black market trade shows the ban is "not yet working as expected," according to Markus Lindblad, Haypp's head of external affairs. 

The black market will be "very difficult to police," Lindblad predicted.