BAT Tests Find Overfilled E-Cigarette Liquids in UK Market

Mar.17.2023
BAT Tests Find Overfilled E-Cigarette Liquids in UK Market
A test by BAT found most major disposable e-cigarette brands in the UK have overfilled e-liquid, according to betterRetailing.

On March 17th, UK media outlet betterRetailing released a report on BAT (British American Tobacco) testing, which revealed that almost all major disposable e-cigarette brands in the UK had exceeded the legal limit for nicotine content in their e-liquids. This included popular UK brands such as Elfbar, LOSTMARY, SMOK, SKE Crystal, and Solo. BAT sent the results of the testing report to distributors, retailers, and regulatory bodies, urging them to ensure that non-compliant products were not supplied.


The President of UKVIA, John...


In response to this incident, 2FIRSTS conducted an email interview with the President of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), John. The original interview in English can be accessed by clicking the provided link. The following is the full transcript of the interview.


Can you provide the English translation of "Q:2FIRSTS"? It is unclear what you are referring to.


A spokesperson for the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), John


According to a report from Better Retailing, British American Tobacco conducted testing on disposable e-cigarette liquid in the UK market and sent the results to distributors and government departments. Has the association been made aware of this news? Did British American Tobacco send the testing report to the association?


BAT has conducted numerous tests on disposable e-cigarette brands in the UK and shared its findings with various organizations, including the association. It is also known that other companies have conducted similar tests, but their results differ from those of BAT.


Do you believe that the issue of "e-cigarette e-liquid exceeding standards" is a common problem in the UK e-cigarette market?


A: Yes, based on the data we have seen, we do believe that some brands have been using excessive amounts of e-liquid to gain a competitive advantage.


Question: Will this test result regarding the excessive levels found in disposable e-cigarettes have an impact on the disposable e-cigarette market in the UK?


A: Yes, I believe this highlights issues with the MHRA approval process. I expect this process to become more rigorous. Additionally, I think major distributors should now perform their own testing on products they bring in. Non-compliant behavior is unacceptable.


Several brand dealers have said that some of the products tested by BAT are "old inventory," while the latest products are now compliant with standards. Will UKVIA test the latest products?


A: The key issue is not the inventory itself, as "old stock" is not a legitimate excuse. In fact, it's quite simple - products are either compliant or non-compliant. I believe all brands should conduct regular testing to ensure they are following the rules. The association will not protect those who break the law.


Q: Has BAT been in contact with the association and asked them to take measures?


Yes, we have had multiple discussions with BAT regarding this issue. If the MHRA and trade transaction standards are the regulators and enforcers in this matter, we will work with both institutions to ensure that the products sold in the UK are legal. The association will also protect its good reputation.


Special Statement: The above content is a translated article, for accurate interpretation please refer to the original English version.


Click here to read the original article in English: UKVIA responds to overfill incident, alleging that BAT's findings contradict tests conducted by other companies.


Further reading:


Content summary of the ELFBAR over-the-limit e-liquid incident in the UK.


British media reports obtaining BAT test report: Almost all disposable e-cigarette brands in the UK have excessive e-liquid levels.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

South Korea Vape Strategies Diverge as BAT Reconsiders Exit and PMI Takes VEEV to About 14,000 Stores
South Korea Vape Strategies Diverge as BAT Reconsiders Exit and PMI Takes VEEV to About 14,000 Stores
BAT Rothmans says it previously considered exiting South Korea's vaping market because of competitive pressure from unregulated products, but is now reassessing conditions following changes to the country's nicotine regulatory framework. Vuse and other BAT vaping products remain available through existing distribution channels. The statement followed a South Korean media report that interpreted BAT's broader withdrawal from selected Vapour markets as a full exit from South Korea. Meanwhile, Philip Morris International launched VEEV inPRIME in the country in June and began expanding distribution to around 14,000 convenience stores and other retail channels in July. The contrasting moves highlight differing investment strategies as South Korea's regulated vaping market evolves.
Aug.14
BAT’s Velo Study Finds 61% of Nicotine Users Feel More Comfortable Expressing Themselves When Others Do the Same
BAT’s Velo Study Finds 61% of Nicotine Users Feel More Comfortable Expressing Themselves When Others Do the Same
British American Tobacco’s (BAT) nicotine pouch brand Velo has released a global consumer study and launched its “Echoes of Tomorrowland” campaign with electronic music festival brand Tomorrowland. The research surveyed 2,009 nicotine users across the UK, Spain, Pakistan, Poland and Austria. Velo said 61% of respondents feel more comfortable expressing themselves when they see others doing the same, while 39% said building meaningful connections becomes harder with age. The campaign reflects how nicotine pouch brands are increasingly using music, communities and lifestyle marketing to build consumer engagement.
Aug.10
China Tobacco Regulator Deputy Head Visits Laos as Both Sides Strengthen Cooperation on Illegal Tobacco Trade
China Tobacco Regulator Deputy Head Visits Laos as Both Sides Strengthen Cooperation on Illegal Tobacco Trade
China’s official Xinhua News Agency reported that Liu Sanjiang, deputy head and Party group member of China’s tobacco regulator, led a delegation to Laos from July 31 to Aug. 2, 2026, for discussions with Lao authorities on combating cross-border illegal tobacco trade. The two sides discussed areas including law enforcement cooperation, information sharing and efforts to address tobacco-related illegal activities such as counterfeiting and smuggling. The visit highlights cooperation between Chinese and Lao authorities on illicit tobacco control.
News
Aug.05
Data|China’s May Vape Exports Fall 10.3%; January–May Shipments Slip 0.9%
Data|China’s May Vape Exports Fall 10.3%; January–May Shipments Slip 0.9%
China’s vape-related exports fell 10.25% year on year in May 2026, marking a second consecutive monthly decline, although exports recovered modestly from April. January-May exports totaled US$4.018 billion, down 0.86% from a year earlier and broadly in line with 2025 levels.
Special Report
Jun.29
Product | ZAR Launches Coffee AirPouch, Expanding Pouch Format Into Caffeine Products
Product | ZAR Launches Coffee AirPouch, Expanding Pouch Format Into Caffeine Products
ZAR has introduced Coffee AirPouch, a nicotine-free caffeine pouch product that extends the brand’s AirPouch format into the functional consumer category. Each pouch contains 50mg of natural caffeine and features a coffee flavor, highlighting how pouch-based products are expanding beyond traditional nicotine applications into broader lifestyle and energy-use scenarios.
Market
Jul.13 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Germany Seizes 56 Pallets of Illegal Vapes, Probe Estimates €1.8 Million Tax Loss
Germany Seizes 56 Pallets of Illegal Vapes, Probe Estimates €1.8 Million Tax Loss
German authorities have seized dozens of pallets of illegal disposable vapes in a criminal investigation, with the products estimated to have caused at least €1.8 million in tax losses. The case has also raised concerns over cross-border supply chains linked to unauthorized nicotine products entering the European market.
Jul.14