UK South East Seized 3.1M Illegal Vapes Since 2021 as Crackdown Intensifies

Jan.23

Illegal vape seizures in the UK South East have risen sharply over the past five years, with 2023 marking the high point. While single-use vapes were banned from sale in June 2025, enforcement teams say disposable products remain in circulation, fueling renewed calls for licensing and stronger enforcement funding.

Key points

FOI data shows 3.1 million vapes were seized from ports or shops across the UK South East between 2021 and 2025.
Kent County Council (including its ports team) accounted for 3 million devices; Surrey seized 40,835 and Medway 32,806.
2025 saw 556,368 illegal vapes seized, up from 5,755 in 2021; the peak year was 2023 with 1,539,582 seizures across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
The UK’s single-use vape ban took effect in June 2025, but authorities say disposables are still being found on sale.
The industry is urging mandatory retailer/distributor licensing and tougher penalties; the government says it is investing £30 million in 2025/26 for enforcement agencies.

2Firsts, January 23, 2026

According to BBC South East, figures obtained via a freedom of information request show 3.1 million vapes were seized from ports or shops across the UK South East between 2021 and 2025. Kent County Council, including its ports team, detected 3 million devices. Surrey County Council seized 40,835 and Medway Council 32,806. Elsewhere in the region, Brighton & Hove found 28,473 vapes, West Sussex seized 24,102, and East Sussex 11,928.

In 2025, councils in the South East seized 556,368 illegal vaping products, up from 5,755 in 2021. The peak year for seizures came in 2023, when 1,539,582 were made across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

The report notes that from June 2025 it became illegal for businesses in the UK to sell, supply or possess single-use vapes for sale, a move aimed at protecting children’s health and the environment. Under the rules, only reusable devices can be legally sold, and they must have a rechargeable battery, a replaceable coil, and be refillable. Enforcement officers said single-use vape sales remain an issue despite the ban.

Retailers caught selling illegal vapes can face a £200 fine in the first instance, escalating to an unlimited fine and/or up to two years in prison for repeat offences.

The UK Vaping Industry Association said most vape shops operate within the law and are increasingly being undercut by illegal operators. Its director general, John Dunne, called for a mandatory licensing scheme for vape retailers and distributors, alongside tougher penalties and sustained, ring-fenced funding for Trading Standards.

The government said that in 2025/26 it is investing £30 million of new funding for enforcement agencies including Trading Standards, Border Force and HMRC to tackle the illicit and underage sale of tobacco and vapes, supporting implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. A government spokesperson said the Bill would give authorities stronger enforcement powers, including the ability to issue on-the-spot fines, and enable government to introduce a licensing scheme for retailers.

Image source: BBC

References:

[1] Ban on junk food and vape adverts proposed

Also Read:

[1] UK vape firm Plxsur sold for £76,500 after touting $1 billion revenue target

[2] Scottish retailers call for tougher action as illegal vape black market “deepens,” SGF says

[3] UK government letter agrees nicotine pouches are lower risk than smoking and a harm reduction tool

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com