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.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Focus on Regulation and Taxation: EVO NXT 2026 Provides Strategic Guidance for Decision-Makers
Focus on Regulation and Taxation: EVO NXT 2026 Provides Strategic Guidance for Decision-Makers
The NGP industry faces rising innovation pressure, growing consumer demand and intensifying regulatory dynamics. Sustainable growth now depends on reliable market intelligence, strong partnerships and structured dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders. On 17–18 April 2026 in Prague, EVO NXT will convene manufacturers, retailers, distributors and industry experts for strategic exchange, with this year’s conference placing regulation and taxation firmly at the center of discussion.
Mar.02
Study: Links between internalizing mental health symptoms and nicotine/tobacco use vary by gender identity among U.S. adolescents
Study: Links between internalizing mental health symptoms and nicotine/tobacco use vary by gender identity among U.S. adolescents
A study using 2020–2023 U.S. data from the ITC Youth Tobacco and Vaping Survey (ages 16–19) reports that both nicotine/tobacco use and internalizing mental health (IMH) symptoms vary across disaggregated gender identities, and that gender identity moderates the relationship between IMH symptoms and product use.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI reshuffles U.S. footprint: Swedish Match to shut Richmond office in April; most staff may be relocated
PMI reshuffles U.S. footprint: Swedish Match to shut Richmond office in April; most staff may be relocated
Swedish Match, a unit of Philip Morris International (PMI), will close its office in Richmond, Virginia, in April 2026 and eliminate 135 positions. PMI said the move is tied to adjustments in its U.S. operating footprint.
Feb.03
KT&G to cancel 10.866 mln treasury shares, about 9.5% of shares outstanding
KT&G to cancel 10.866 mln treasury shares, about 9.5% of shares outstanding
KT&G said it plans to cancel all treasury shares it holds, totaling 10,866,189 shares, representing about 9.5% of shares outstanding, in line with Korea’s third amendment to the Commercial Act requiring companies to cancel repurchased shares within one year. The company also disclosed progress on its shareholder-return plan and multiple agenda items for next month’s shareholders meeting.
Feb.26
Goyang City Urges Relevant Sellers to Apply for Tobacco Retailer Designation by April 23
Goyang City Urges Relevant Sellers to Apply for Tobacco Retailer Designation by April 23
Goyang Special City in South Korea said it has informed local sellers about the revised Tobacco Business Act, which will take effect on April 24, 2026, and urged them to apply for tobacco retailer designation.
Mar.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
France’s HAS to Address Role of E-Cigarettes in Updated Smoking-Cessation Guidelines, Tells 2Firsts
France’s HAS to Address Role of E-Cigarettes in Updated Smoking-Cessation Guidelines, Tells 2Firsts
2Firsts has learned that France’s national health authority, the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), confirmed the role of e-cigarettes will be addressed in updated national smoking-cessation guidelines expected by the end of 2026. HAS said the recommendations will focus on clinical and public-health considerations, will not set technical standards for vaping products, and that current studies are insufficient to clearly assess risks and benefits across different product categories.
Mar.10