Illegal E-Cigarette Seizures in the UK Soaring; Authorities Crack Down

Industry Insight by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jun.28.2023
Illegal E-Cigarette Seizures in the UK Soaring; Authorities Crack Down
BBC reports authorities in Dover Port, UK has seized nearly 500,000 illegal e-cigarettes since the beginning of the year. Law enforcement officers recently seized 13,000 e-cigarettes containing nicotine e-liquid in excess of the allowed capacity. Customs and the MHRA have conducted strict inspections at Heathrow Airport, confiscating illegal e-cigarette products. UK authorities have seized a total of 2.5 million illegal e-cigarettes since early 2020.

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reports on June 28th, nearly 500,000 illegal e-cigarettes have been seized in the port of Dover, United Kingdom since the beginning of this year.

 

Law enforcement officials in Doverport have seized 13,000 e-cigarettes containing e-liquid containing nicotine, with a capacity exceeding the regulated limit by nine times within a week. According to UK law, e-cigarettes are restricted to a maximum e-liquid capacity of 2ml, equivalent to approximately 600 puffs. However, these illicit products were found to provide over 10,000 puffs, surpassing the legal capacity by more than tenfold.

 

In addition, on June 27th, an informant revealed to 2FIRSTS that UK customs, in collaboration with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), conducted a strict inspection of a large number of e-cigarette products at Heathrow Airport (LHR Airport). The informant stated, "The inspection was very thorough, and any products found were immediately confiscated with no opportunity for recourse." They further explained that a joint enforcement operation had already taken place in March this year between the MHRA and customs at LHR Airport, resulting in the seizure of numerous products.

 

According to a previous report by The Guardian, after compiling public information from 125 local governments in the UK, it has been found that the UK Trading Standards Department has seized around 2.5 million illegal e-cigarettes since the beginning of 2020.

 

References:

 

Kent officials issue alert over illegal vapes amid rise in underage vaping

 

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.

Product | Unique Serial Number + Custom Design: Vuse Launches McLaren F1 Team Limited-Edition Vape
Product | Unique Serial Number + Custom Design: Vuse Launches McLaren F1 Team Limited-Edition Vape
Vuse has launched a McLaren Racing co-branded limited-edition vape, the Vuse Ultra x McLaren F1 Team Limited Edition, on its official website. Based on the standard Vuse Ultra, the device features design elements including McLaren’s “Racing Papaya” orange, and comes with wireless charging and two replaceable batteries. The product is priced at £45.
Dec.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Guernsey's QuitVape program for youth e-cigarette cessation to end at the end of the month
UK Guernsey's QuitVape program for youth e-cigarette cessation to end at the end of the month
QuitVape e-cigarette quitting service for teens in Guernsey to end this month, after six-month trial period.
Dec.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Canadians visiting Mexico warned of stricter penalties for bringing e-cigarettes or vaping devices
Canadians visiting Mexico warned of stricter penalties for bringing e-cigarettes or vaping devices
Canadians traveling to Mexico should avoid packing e-cigarettes or vaping devices, citing Canada’s travel advisory warning that tourists have been banned from bringing such items into Mexico since 2025. The advisory says customs officials could confiscate the items upon arrival and travelers could be fined or detained.
Feb.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Uruguay Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Smoking and Vaping in Playgrounds and Bus Stops
Uruguay Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Smoking and Vaping in Playgrounds and Bus Stops
A bill introduced by Uruguayan lawmaker Álvaro Dastugue proposes banning smoking and vaping in public spaces that include children’s play areas, as well as at bus stops and nearby waiting zones. The draft legislation aims to reduce involuntary exposure to smoke and aerosols from tobacco, marijuana and electronic vaping devices.
Dec.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jordan Reduces HTP and Vape Tax Burden as National Smoking Rate Hits 51.6%
Jordan Reduces HTP and Vape Tax Burden as National Smoking Rate Hits 51.6%
Jordan has published amendments to its special tax system reducing taxes on heated tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and e-liquids, with some reductions reaching 50%. Under the revised rules, taxes on devices and liquids have been lowered, prompting concern among medical and parliamentary circles. The government has not issued an official explanation for the move.
Dec.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JT launches limited-edition Ploom AURA front panels; two go on sale, three offered via prize draw
JT launches limited-edition Ploom AURA front panels; two go on sale, three offered via prize draw
Japan Tobacco (JT) has rolled out an Ichiro Yamaguchi collaboration under its Ploom AURA “SENSATIONAL” campaign, using a combined marketing push—limited sales, a prize draw, video content distribution and in-store displays—to release five front panels and two branded accessories. Two panels will go on sale from Jan. 27, while the remaining panels and accessories will be distributed through a draw running from Jan. 19 to Feb. 28.
Jan.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai