British Retail Store Shut Down for Selling Illegal and Counterfeit Products

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mar.05.2024
British Retail Store Shut Down for Selling Illegal and Counterfeit Products
Illegal and counterfeit cigarette sales lead to closure of a retailer in Basingstoke, UK, prompting crackdown on illegal activities.

According to recent reports from the media, a retail store in Bingley, England has been shut down for selling illegal and counterfeit cigarettes and e-cigarette products.

 

It is understood that this store was found to be engaged in illegal activities after consecutive investigations by the local tax department and police station. Selling counterfeit and illegal products as a store will severely impact public health and violate laws and regulations.

 

The seized items included 84 oversized e-cigarettes that did not meet safety standards, 174 e-liquid cartridges exceeding the legal limit of 2 milliliters, and 16 e-cigarettes that violated registered trademarks. Despite being warned about criminal activity in the store, trade standards officials returned to the shop in February 2024 and discovered 31 more e-cigarettes hidden in a modified concealed compartment under the store counter.

 

In addition, the relevant authorities have made arrangements to address the issues at the store, while also warning other businesses to conduct serious reviews of their product sources and legality to avoid similar problems.

 

This incident serves as a warning to all businesses that any illegal sales activities will be severely punished by the law. It also reflects that relevant authorities will take stricter measures in cracking down on and preventing counterfeit activities.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

FDA Highlights Product Characterization as a Foundational Requirement in ENDS PMTA Reviews
FDA Highlights Product Characterization as a Foundational Requirement in ENDS PMTA Reviews
During its ongoing PMTA roundtable, FDA emphasized that product characterization is a foundational element in the review of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). The agency underscored the need for complete product identifying information, validation and verification of test methods on the specific product type, and the appropriate use of tobacco product master files (TPMFs) to support complex or proprietary ingredients in PMTA submissions.
Feb.10
Japan Tobacco Expands Heated Tobacco Customization Strategy with Artist-Led Limited Editions
Japan Tobacco Expands Heated Tobacco Customization Strategy with Artist-Led Limited Editions
Japan Tobacco has launched a limited-edition Ploom AURA front panel series in collaboration with musician Ichiro Yamaguchi, featuring five customized designs incorporating brass, Kutani ware, verdigris, kintsugi, and rosewood motifs. Two editions are available through retail channels, while three are distributed via a membership lottery system. The initiative highlights JT’s growing focus on exterior customization and design partnerships as part of its broader heated tobacco brand strategy.
Feb.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysian police raids across five states: 51 held and over RM1 million in vapes seized
Malaysian police raids across five states: 51 held and over RM1 million in vapes seized
Police in Malaysia detained 51 individuals and seized over RM1 million worth of electronic cigarettes and liquid refills in a five-state operation dubbed “Op E-CIG,” conducted by the GOF Central Brigade on February 10. The report said the operation involved 30 raids across Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Melaka, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Authorities seized 2,263 vape units and 165.463 litres of liquid.
Feb.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK vape retailer VPZ to expand manufacturing, open 40 stores in 2026
UK vape retailer VPZ to expand manufacturing, open 40 stores in 2026
UK specialist vape retailer VPZ has launched a multi-million-pound investment programme to boost domestic production capacity and tighten supply-chain controls. The plan includes adding a fifth production line, opening 40 new stores across the UK in 2026 and creating hundreds of jobs, while establishing a bonded warehouse at its Edinburgh headquarters as regulation tightens and a vaping tax is planned.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Arizona Moves to Tighten Vape Supply-Chain Enforcement, Targeting Illicit Products
Arizona Moves to Tighten Vape Supply-Chain Enforcement, Targeting Illicit Products
Arizona state Sen. Shawnna Bolick introduced SB 1397 to curb illicit vapes by tracing product origins, intercepting illegal shipments, and cracking down on retailers that violate state law. The proposal would require manufacturers to hold a state license to sell in Arizona, with fines up to $10,000 for unlicensed sales.
Jan.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT CEO Says 2026 Return to Growth Hinges on U.S. Enforcement, Highlights Oral Leadership
BAT CEO Says 2026 Return to Growth Hinges on U.S. Enforcement, Highlights Oral Leadership
British American Tobacco said 2026 will mark a return to its mid-term growth algorithm, but CEO Tadeu Marroco stressed that deliverywill depend heavily on enforcement against illicit vapour products in the United States. Speaking at the FY2025 results call, he positioned Modern Oral as the company’s primary structural growth engine, reframed accelerating cigarette declines through “poly-usage,” and reinforced capital discipline with an expanded share buyback plan.
Feb.12