Councils Remove 1.2 Million Illicit Vapes from UK High Streets

Key Points 

• Two illegal vapes were seized every minute in 2025;
• A total of 1.2 million illicit vapes were confiscated;
• Over 14,000 cases involved businesses selling illegal vapes;
• 7.15 million illegal cigarettes were seized in 12 months;
• 54% of vapers believe they bought illegal products.

2Firsts, December 2025,23 – New data from UK councils shows that an average of two illegal vapes were seized every minute in 2025, with a total of 1.2 million illicit vapes removed from high streets across the country.

More than 14,000 cases were recorded this year involving businesses found to be in possession of, stocking, or selling illegal vapes. The findings come amid a surge in illegal nicotine products entering local shops.

Over the past 12 months, authorities seized 7.15 million illegal cigarettes, 257,000 illegal disposable vapes and nearly 10,000 nicotine pouches.

Consumer awareness remains a concern, with over half (54%) of UK vapers believing they have been misled into purchasing illegal vaping products.

The data was collected through freedom of information requests to local councils by UK online vaping retailer Vape Club, as part of its 2025 Illegal Vapes Report. Consumer insights were drawn from a 2025 survey of 2,000 vapers across the UK.

The study found that suspected illegal products were commonly purchased from local convenience stores (36%), followed by local vape shops (33%) and market stalls or street traders (26%).

Consumers can verify the authenticity of vaping products via the official register on the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency website, which lists all legal vaping products in the UK.

Dan Marchant, director of Vape Club and founding member of the UK Vaping Industry Association, said the sale of illegal and non-compliant products has caused significant reputational damage to the industry, which aims to help adult smokers move away from cigarettes. He called for stronger enforcement against rogue vape retailers.

Image source: Convenience Store