United Kingdom Background
Data sourced: more than 5 years ago.   Page updated: 2026-05-15

Survey results from 2020 show that 0.9% of respondents in United Kingdom reported using HTP. Daily use of using HTP is estimated at 0.4% among adults. 5% of the population attempted to using HTP at least once. HTP is allowed. Advertising of HTP is allowed.

Prevalence

References:
  1. 1. Special Eurobarometer 506: Attitudes of Europeans towards tobacco and electronic cigarettes (v1.00). (2021). [Data set]. European Commission, Directorate-General for Communication. https://data.europa.eu/88u/dataset/S2240_506_ENG 2. Calculation based on population size data of people over 15 years of age (16+). Source of population data: World Population Prospects 2019 [Internet]. United Nations; 2019. (Department of Economic and Social Affairs, editor. Population Division). Report No.: Rev. 1. Available from: https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/
  2. Special Eurobarometer 506: Attitudes of Europeans towards tobacco and electronic cigarettes (v1.00). (2021). [Data set]. European Commission, Directorate-General for Communication. https://data.europa.eu/88u/dataset/S2240_506_ENG

Regulation

References:
  1. Philip Morris International website. Available at: https://www.pmi.com/smoke-free-products/iqos-our-tobacco-heating-system
Comments:
  1. IQOS

Availability

References:
  1. Philip Morris International website. Available at: https://www.pmi.com/smoke-free-products/iqos-our-tobacco-heating-system
Comments:
  1. IQOS

Publications

Tobacco harm reduction and the FCTC: issues and challenges at COP11

From 17th – 22nd November 2025, COP11 is taking place in Geneva. This Briefing Paper explores the efficacy of the FCTC in reducing smoking, and considers the challenges posed by COP11 to consumer access to safer nicotine products and tobacco harm reduction progress.


The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction 2024: A Situation Report

This Briefing Paper summarises The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction 2024: A Situation Report, which uses the latest evidence and new data projections to report on the current global THR situation and its potential to rapidly reduce the burden of disease and mortality associated with risky tobacco use.


A smokefree UK? How research, policy and vapes have cut smoking rates

The number of people who vape in the United Kingdom is soon set to exceed the number who smoke for the first time. This Briefing Paper explores the United Kingdom’s progress towards becoming smokefree, highlighting both the successes and the challenges.

The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team. However, please be aware that the information we provide does not constitute legal advice. We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product categories can change at short notice and with little publicity. If you wish to check the legal status of use or possession of any safer nicotine product in a specific country or region, you should verify the information independently. If you have reason to think that the information supplied on the GSTHR is inaccurate, please contact us with details and any references and we will rectify any errors.