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.

Sweden Becomes First EU Country to Reach Smoke-Free Status as Daily Smoking Falls to 4.8%
Sweden Becomes First EU Country to Reach Smoke-Free Status as Daily Smoking Falls to 4.8%
According to the latest CAN report and multiple media reports, Sweden’s daily smoking rate fell to 4.8% in 2025, below the commonly used 5% smoke-free threshold, making it the first EU country to reach that benchmark.
News
Jun.05
India Seizes $14 Million Worth of Illegal Vaping Products Imported From China
India Seizes $14 Million Worth of Illegal Vaping Products Imported From China
India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized approximately 300,000 illegal e-cigarettes and vaping devices worth more than ₹120 crore (approximately $14 million) during coordinated multi-state enforcement operations.
Regulations
May.22
Belgian Health Minister Calls Tobacco Industry “Criminal” After Court Undermines Supermarket Sales Ban
Belgian Health Minister Calls Tobacco Industry “Criminal” After Court Undermines Supermarket Sales Ban
Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke described the tobacco industry as a “criminal” sector with “no future” during an appearance on VRT’s current affairs program Ter Zake. His comments came after Belgium’s Constitutional Court ruled that a government ban on cigarette and vape sales in supermarkets was discriminatory because it allowed small shops to sell tobacco products while prohibiting larger retailers from doing so.
May.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Scotland Plans to Remove Business Rates Relief From Vape Shops From 2027
Scotland Plans to Remove Business Rates Relief From Vape Shops From 2027
The Scottish Government plans to remove business rates relief from vape shops from April 1, 2027, saying the measure is intended to ensure vape retailers contribute to the high street and align rates relief with public health commitments, while the impact on convenience stores that sell vaping products remains unclear.
News
Jun.26 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Maine Approves Vape Stewardship Bill Requiring Producers to Manage End-of-Life Devices
Maine Approves Vape Stewardship Bill Requiring Producers to Manage End-of-Life Devices
The Maine Legislature has passed LD 1519, a bill that would establish a producer-funded stewardship program for electronic smoking devices, requiring manufacturers and importers to manage the collection, transportation, recycling and disposal of end-of-life products, particularly disposable vapes containing lithium-ion batteries.
Jun.12
 BAT Bangladesh Cigarette Sales Fall 14%, Q1 Profit Drops 34%
BAT Bangladesh Cigarette Sales Fall 14%, Q1 Profit Drops 34%
British American Tobacco Bangladesh reported a 14% year-on-year decline in cigarette sales volume and a 34% drop in first-quarter profit, highlighting mounting pressure from inflation, taxation, and weakening consumer spending in Bangladesh.
News
May.18