Disposable vape brands Elfbar and Lost Mary have said they will drop sweet flavours just days before a government consultation on the practice in the UK is due to end.
Having faced criticism over the potential appeal of their candy and fizzy drink flavours to children, the Shenzhen iMiracle Technology-owned brands also called for tougher rules around vaping.
Licensing rules for retailers and restrictions in line with alcohol and cigarette sales could “mitigate children's access to vapes and make it easier for the authorities,” Elfbar told the BBC.
“Furthermore, we believe it would help combat the growing illicit vape market and drive increased rates of vape recycling."
Bubble Gum, Cotton Candy and Rainbow Candy flavours have already been phased out, according to Elfbar, while Gummy Bear will also be renamed and ultimately dropped.
The duo’s pledge to drop wider dessert and soft drink flavours comes as the UK government readies for the end of a consultation on the practice on December 6.
This itself is set to address issues of child vaping, with over 20% of 11 to 17 year olds in the UK having at least tried a vape this year, according to the government.
Environmental concerns are also set to be key, given some 5 million disposable vapes are estimated to be binned each week.
Findings from the consultation are anticipated to precede a suite of rule changes in the UK.
In light of this, Elfbar argued against a tax being introduced on vapes, suggesting such extra costs could push people to illegal products or even back to smoking as the government looks to phase out the latter.
Anti-smoking charity Action on Smoking and Health dubbed Elfbar’s proposals as “half measures” in response, arguing such a tax would enable tougher border control.
Comments from the disposable vape manufacturers come after the likes of British American Tobacco PLC (LSE:BATS) and Supreme PLC (AIM:SUP) have had their say on tighter regulation.
BAT openly called for a clampdown earlier this week, while fellow tobacco firm Supreme acknowledged the need for new rules.
Both argued vaping should be treated as a tool to complement a phase-out of smoking in the UK, as proposed by the government as a gradual long-term ban.