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.

Spain’s Galicia Moves First: Under-18 Vape and Energy Drink Sales and Use Banned
Spain’s Galicia Moves First: Under-18 Vape and Energy Drink Sales and Use Banned
Galicia will implement a new “Minor Health Protection and Addictive Behaviors Prevention” law this Saturday, becoming the first region in Spain to ban the sale and use of vapes for people under 18.
Mar.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Tajikistan Weighs a Total Vape Ban as Upper House Chair Orders Draft Bill
Tajikistan Weighs a Total Vape Ban as Upper House Chair Orders Draft Bill
Tajikistan is preparing legislation that could impose a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes. Upper house chair Rustami Emomali (Рустами Эмомали) has ordered the drafting of a bill, which is still under development. Retailers have begun scaling back sales amid tightening signals, while existing tobacco-control rules already restrict smoking in many public places and set fines.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Commissioner Stresses “Predictability” as Science Chief Addresses Industry Uncertainty
FDA Commissioner Stresses “Predictability” as Science Chief Addresses Industry Uncertainty
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary briefly appeared at the February 10 PMTA roundtable, underscoring the importance of regulatory predictability. At the close of the session, Office of Science Director Matthew Farrelly responded to industry concerns over review uncertainty, stating the agency will issue a written summary of feedback, while reiterating that no fixed quantitative risk benchmark governs authorization decisions.
Feb.11
WHO warns Europe will remain the world’s biggest tobacco consumer by 2030 as vaping fuels youth uptake
WHO warns Europe will remain the world’s biggest tobacco consumer by 2030 as vaping fuels youth uptake
According to Euronews, the World Health Organization (WHO) says its European Region—53 countries across Europe and Central Asia—is projected to remain the world’s largest tobacco consumer by 2030. While overall tobacco use is declining, e-cigarettes and flavoured nicotine products are capturing a new generation.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Manchester’s Cheetham Hill Hosts 54 Vape Shops Across Two Streets
Manchester’s Cheetham Hill Hosts 54 Vape Shops Across Two Streets
Cheetham Hill in Greater Manchester has become one of the UK’s most concentrated vape retail clusters, with 54 e-cigarette shops operating along two adjacent streets following a police crackdown on counterfeit goods in the area.
Feb.21
Special Report | China’s New Five-Year Plan Highlights “Health-First” Strategy, Providing Policy Context for Tobacco Sector
Special Report | China’s New Five-Year Plan Highlights “Health-First” Strategy, Providing Policy Context for Tobacco Sector
China’s 2026 “Two Sessions” reviewed the draft Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan, which proposes implementing a health-first development strategy and strengthening the effectiveness of the Patriotic Health Campaign. Although the document does not address specific industries, this public-health governance framework provides a new policy context for observing the future regulation, product strategies, and market development of China’s tobacco and next-generation nicotine sectors.
Industry Insight
Mar.08