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.

BAT plans to sell its stake in ITC Hotels, using proceeds to reduce debt
BAT plans to sell its stake in ITC Hotels, using proceeds to reduce debt
British American Tobacco (BAT) plans to sell all or part of its stake in ITC Hotels via an accelerated bookbuild, with the sale size expected to be up to 15.3% of the company’s shares. The company says the proceeds will be used to reduce debt and bring its leverage back within the target range.
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ireland’s HSE finds over a fifth of vape shops tested still selling to children despite under-18 ban
Ireland’s HSE finds over a fifth of vape shops tested still selling to children despite under-18 ban
Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) data show that more than a fifth of vape shops tested were still selling nicotine-inhaling vaping products to children, despite a ban on sales to under-18s that took effect on December 22, 2023.
Jan.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Arizona e-cigarette shops ordered to pay $460,000 for selling tobacco and nicotine products to minors
Arizona e-cigarette shops ordered to pay $460,000 for selling tobacco and nicotine products to minors
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced Pro Source Supply LLC, Pro Source Vapes LLC, Pro Source CBD LLC, and owner Timothy Kell must pay $460,000 in restitution tied to a lawsuit filed last year alleging illegal sales of tobacco and nicotine products to underage buyers.
Jan.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
France drops a vaping clause from the 2026 finance bill after use of Article 49.3
France drops a vaping clause from the 2026 finance bill after use of Article 49.3
A provision in France’s 2026 finance bill intended to regulate vaping products was abandoned after Sébastien Lecornu used Article 49.3 on January 20 to commit the government’s responsibility on the “revenue” section of the state budget.
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Hungary’s Continental Tobacco Launches New Slay Nicotine Pouch Brand in UK Targeting Female Consumers
Hungary’s Continental Tobacco Launches New Slay Nicotine Pouch Brand in UK Targeting Female Consumers
Hungary’s Continental Tobacco Group has launched its Slay nicotine pouch brand in the UK, featuring compact, pastel-toned packaging and backed by a multi-million-pound investment and retail pilot programme to build its presence in the local market.
Dec.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea’s National Assembly Passes Law Classifying E-Cigarettes as Tobacco Products with Full Equivalent Regulation
South Korea’s National Assembly Passes Law Classifying E-Cigarettes as Tobacco Products with Full Equivalent Regulation
South Korea’s National Assembly recently passed a comprehensive package of 79 bills that, among other measures, formally classifies liquid vapes — e-cigarette products using nicotine-containing e-liquids — as tobacco products. These products will now be subject to the same taxation, sales restrictions and advertising controls as traditional cigarettes, and the vaping industry in South Korea is expected to face significant adjustments in compliance costs, market access and business strategy.
Dec.03