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.

AIRSCREAM Solidifies South African Leadership & Championing Truth in Vaping
AIRSCREAM Solidifies South African Leadership & Championing Truth in Vaping
As South Africa’s leading lifestyle vaping brand, AIRSCREAM is accelerating its regional growth strategy with the launch of its bold new initiative, “Trust ML, Not Puff.” The campaign calls for factual, millilitre (ml)-based transparency across the vaping industry, directly confronting misleading puff-count marketing practices and promoting clear, standardised information that reflects the true value and capacity of vaping products.
Nov.28
Costa Rica Ruling Party Lawmaker Proposes Vape Ban as Experts Warn of Black Market Risks
Costa Rica Ruling Party Lawmaker Proposes Vape Ban as Experts Warn of Black Market Risks
A lawmaker from Costa Rica’s ruling party has introduced a bill to completely ban e-cigarettes and related products, covering their import, sale, use, and manufacturing, citing rising youth use and associated health risks. The proposal would repeal the current regulatory law and has raised concerns that a full ban, combined with weak enforcement, could fuel a black market.
Dec.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thai police arrest 23-year-old woman linked to major vape-smuggling network in the South
Thai police arrest 23-year-old woman linked to major vape-smuggling network in the South
Thai police said officers expanded an investigation into a major e-cigarette smuggling network in the South and arrested a 23-year-old woman at Hat Yai Junction railway station on Jan. 6, 2026.
Jan.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Australian Border Force Blocks Massive Vape Shipment Following China Intelligence
Australian Border Force Blocks Massive Vape Shipment Following China Intelligence
Australia has seized more than 600,000 illicit vapes in two months, following coordinated intelligence with overseas partners. The Australian Border Force (ABF) warns that illegal vaping products now form a multibillion-dollar black market dominated by organised crime syndicates.
Nov.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
COP11 Concludes with Major Decisions on Global Tobacco Control
COP11 Concludes with Major Decisions on Global Tobacco Control
The Eleventh Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) concluded in Geneva on November 22, with 160 Parties adopting major decisions on tobacco and nicotine regulation, environmental protection, sustainable financing, and tobacco industry liability. A landmark decision mandates a complete ban on the use and sale of tobacco and all novel nicotine products across all UN premises worldwide.
Nov.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Research | ZYN Launches Limited-Edition Coffee Flavours and Can Engraving Service at Stockholm Arlanda Airport
2Firsts Research | ZYN Launches Limited-Edition Coffee Flavours and Can Engraving Service at Stockholm Arlanda Airport
2Firsts observed that ZYN has introduced limited-edition coffee flavours and an on-site can engraving service in the duty-free zone at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, alongside the rollout of its upgraded packaging and independent core-shelf displays, forming a complete product presentation and consumer experience system.
Nov.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai