Michael Kannes
10/04/2025 • 5 min read
The history of vaping is fascinating, with its roots firmly planted in harm reduction. Cigarette companies played a significant role in the market dynamics that contributed to the rise of vaping. Have you ever wondered when did vaping start in the UK? From its invention to its rise in popularity, electronic cigarettes have always been about reducing the damage caused by smoking.
Let’s take a closer look at when vapes were introduced, how they evolved, and why they’ve become a go-to choice for those wanting to quit cigarettes.
Vaping refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling the vapour produced by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other vaping devices. Unlike smoking cigarettes, which involve burning tobacco, vaping uses battery-powered devices to heat a liquid solution known as e-liquid. This e-liquid typically contains nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. When heated, it produces a vapour that users inhale.
E-cigarettes have become a popular alternative to traditional cigarettes, especially among those looking for smoking cessation options. Many people turn to e-cigarettes to reduce their dependence on tobacco and the harmful chemicals associated with cigarette smoke. By mimicking the act of smoking without the combustion, vaping offers a way to satisfy nicotine cravings with potentially fewer health risks.
While vaping might seem modern, its origins go back much further than you might think. Herbert A. Gilbert, an American inventor who designed a device that heated flavoured air instead of burning tobacco, patented the first electronic cigarette concept in 1963. However, at the time, smoking was the norm, and there wasn’t much interest in alternatives. The tobacco industry dominated the market, which contributed to the lack of interest in alternatives like the early e-cigarette.
The real breakthrough came in 2003 when Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik developed the first commercially successful e-cigarette. As a heavy smoker himself, Hon Lik wanted to create a device that could deliver nicotine without the toxic smoke and tar found in cigarettes. His invention laid the foundation for modern vaping and changed the course of smoking alternatives forever. Major tobacco companies have since transitioned from traditional tobacco products to new nicotine delivery systems like e-cigarettes with flavoured products.
The history of vaping is deeply connected to the need for a less harmful alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes. Traditional cigarettes have long been known to cause severe risks, including cancer, lung disease, and heart conditions. Vaping was developed as an RRP (Reduced-Risk Product) to help smokers move away from the dangers of tobacco. It was part of a broader tobacco harm reduction strategy to provide smokers with safer alternatives.
After Hon Lik’s e-cigarette invention in 2003, vaping technology quickly spread worldwide. The first vape devices were introduced in China before making their way to Europe and the United States. Over the years, innovations in battery technology, coil design, and e-liquid formulations have improved vaping devices, making them more accessible, efficient, and enjoyable.
Vaping was introduced to the UK in the mid-2000s, shortly after e-cigarettes gained popularity in China. By 2007, the first e-cigarettes were available on the UK market, offering smokers a new way to satisfy their nicotine cravings without inhaling harmful smoke
Vaping was initially met with scepticism, as it was a new and unfamiliar concept. However, as research emerged highlighting its reduced harm compared to smoking, e-cigarette sales grew significantly. Vaping gained support from health organisations and the public alike. By the early 2010s, vape shops began appearing across the country, and more people turned to e-cigarettes as an alternative to smoking.
The early e-cigarettes were basic, cigarette-shaped devices known as cigalikes, designed to replicate the look and feel of smoking. However, new vaping devices entered the market as technology advanced, offering improved performance and user experience. These advancements in electronic nicotine delivery systems have made vaping more accessible and appealing.
Each new generation of vape devices has made vaping more accessible and appealing, helping more smokers transition to a less harmful alternative.
In the UK, vaping is regulated under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. These regulations set comprehensive rules for manufacturing, selling, and marketing e-cigarettes and e-liquids. One key requirement is that e-cigarette manufacturers notify the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of their products. This notification process ensures that detailed information about the ingredients and safety of e-cigarettes is available.
The regulations also include strict packaging and labelling requirements. These rules are designed to give consumers the information they need to make informed choices about vaping products. For example, packaging must include warnings about nicotine and other potential risks.
Furthermore, the UK government has implemented laws to restrict the sale of e-cigarettes to minors, ensuring that these products are not accessible to those under 18. Advertising of e-cigarettes is also limited in certain media outlets to prevent the promotion of vaping to young people. These regulations aim to balance the benefits of vaping as a smoking cessation tool with the need to protect public well-being.
The vaping industry has seen remarkable growth since its early days. 2010, the global e-cigarette market was valued at a modest $20 million. However, as the demand for e-cigarettes and e-liquids surged, the market expanded exponentially. By 2019, the industry had grown to over $19 billion, reflecting the widespread adoption of vaping as a smoking cessation tool and a popular alternative to traditional cigarettes.
Several factors have driven this impressive growth. The increasing awareness of the dangers of smoking, coupled with the development of more advanced and user-friendly vaping devices, has made vaping an attractive option for many. Innovations in e-cigarette technology, such as improved battery life, customisable settings, and a wide range of e-liquid flavours, have also contributed to the industry’s expansion. The vaping market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with some estimates suggesting it could reach $67 billion by 2025.
Although vaping was introduced to the UK in 2007, it wasn’t until the early 2010s that it gained traction. During this period, there was a significant rise in e-cigarette use among youth and adults, driven by various factors. The question of when vaping became popular can be answered by looking at several key developments:
By 2016, vaping had become mainstream in the UK, with millions of smokers switching to e-cigarettes as a way to reduce harm and eventually quit nicotine altogether.
Vaping has not only become a popular alternative to smoking but has also given rise to a vibrant subculture. Enthusiasts from around the world have formed communities, both online and offline, to share their passion for vaping. Social media platforms have become hubs for vapers to exchange tips, advice, and reviews of various e-cigarettes and e-liquids. These online communities foster a sense of camaraderie and support among vapers, helping newcomers navigate the world of vaping.
In addition to online interactions, vaping events and meetups have become increasingly popular. These gatherings allow enthusiasts to connect in person, share their experiences, and showcase their customised vaping devices. The creativity and innovation within the vaping subculture are evident, with many enthusiasts modifying their e-cigarettes and even creating their unique e-liquid blends.
The growth of the vaping subculture has also spurred the development of new businesses and industries. Vape shops, e-liquid manufacturers, and accessory providers have emerged to cater to the needs of vapers. Influencers and celebrities within the vaping community have gained significant followings, promoting vaping products and lifestyles to their audiences.
Overall, the vaping subculture is a dynamic and evolving community driven by a shared passion for vaping and a desire to innovate. It continues to play a crucial role in the development and growth of the vaping industry, shaping trends and driving demand for new products and technologies.
From the very beginning, vaping was designed as a harm reduction tool, offering smokers a way to satisfy their nicotine cravings without the harmful effects of tobacco. Many people turn to vaping as a way to quit smoking due to its effectiveness as a smoking cessation tool.
Testimonials from smokers who successfully transitioned to e-cigarettes highlight the efficacy of these alternatives in quitting smoking. Here’s why vaping is a smarter choice compared to smoking:
1. Well-being benefits
Smoking releases over 7,000 harmful chemicals, many of which are toxic and carcinogenic. In contrast, vaping eliminates combustion, significantly reducing exposure to harmful substances. Reducing cigarette use through vaping can significantly lower exposure to these dangerous chemicals.
2. Financial savings
Cigarettes are expensive, and prices keep rising. Vaping, especially with refillable devices, is far more cost-effective. The initial investment in a vape kit might be higher, but in the long run, switching to vaping can save you hundreds of pounds each year.
3. Social benefits
Vaping doesn’t produce the same pungent odour that lingers on clothes, hair, and breath as cigarette smoke does. This means no more worrying about smelling like smoke in social settings. Plus, as vaping produces vapour rather than smoke, it doesn’t affect the people around you in the same way passive smoking does.
4. Environmental impact
Traditional cigarettes contribute massively to pollution, from cigarette butt litter to harmful smoke emissions. Vaping produces no ash or cigarette waste, making it a far more environmentally friendly option. Refillable vape devices also help cut down on disposable waste.
Unlike cigarettes, which deliver a fixed amount of nicotine, vaping allows you to adjust your nicotine levels. Whether you’re looking to reduce your nicotine intake or go completely nicotine-free gradually, vaping gives you control over the process.
So, when did vaping start in the UK? The journey began in the mid-2000s, and since then, vaping has evolved from a niche product to a widely accepted alternative to smoking. As more people become aware of its benefits and technology continues to improve, vaping remains a key tool in the move towards a smoke-free future.
For those considering switching from cigarettes, vaping offers a safer, more cost-effective, and socially acceptable alternative. The future of vaping will also be shaped by regulations that classify e-cigarettes as tobacco products, ensuring they meet specific health standards. Whether you’re just starting or looking for the latest vape innovations, there’s never been a better time to explore the world.
