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.

Malaysian Customs Seizes Over US$3.4 Million in E-Cigarettes and Vape Liquids Shipped from China and Transported Overland
Malaysian Customs Seizes Over US$3.4 Million in E-Cigarettes and Vape Liquids Shipped from China and Transported Overland
The Royal Malaysian Customs Department in Kedah seized a large consignment of e-cigarette devices and vape liquids originating from China, with a total value exceeding RM16 million (about US$3.4 million). The suspect, a man in his 40s, failed to produce the required import permit from the Health Ministry, and the case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967.
Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | 2Firsts Exclusive: Breaking Down Pachamama 25K, CHUC’s First U.S.-Made Factory Product
Product | 2Firsts Exclusive: Breaking Down Pachamama 25K, CHUC’s First U.S.-Made Factory Product
U.S. e-cigarette company Charlie’s has brought its first domestic manufacturing facility online, launching the disposable Pachamama 25K, which will initially roll out to 300 retail stores in Texas. The device features a 20 ml e-liquid capacity with 5% nicotine, three power modes and a built-in 1000 mAh battery, and is advertised to deliver up to 25,000 puffs.
Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Belarus to Tighten Vape Regulations, Raise Excise Taxes in 2026
Belarus to Tighten Vape Regulations, Raise Excise Taxes in 2026
Belarusian lawmakers are drafting a new bill to regulate the vape market amid growing concern over youth nicotine use and the spread of illegal products. While a total ban is not planned, the focus will be on stricter licensing, advertising limits, and higher taxes.
Nov.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Illegal Disposable Vapes Still Sold in Nottingham Six Months After UK Ban: LBC Investigation
Illegal Disposable Vapes Still Sold in Nottingham Six Months After UK Ban: LBC Investigation
According to LBC, a follow-up investigation in Nottingham found that four out of 14 shops visited still sold illegal disposable vapes, six months after the UK Government’s ban took effect. Although fewer retailers appeared to be offering banned products compared with an earlier visit, illegal vapes remain available despite ongoing enforcement efforts.
Dec.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Peer Seeks to Weaken “Generational Smoking Ban” – Report Reveals Discussions with BAT Executive Relative
UK Peer Seeks to Weaken “Generational Smoking Ban” – Report Reveals Discussions with BAT Executive Relative
Lord Strathcarron, a member of the UK House of Lords, has admitted to discussing the government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill with a relative who holds a senior role at British American Tobacco (BAT). He is advocating amendments to scrap the bill’s core “generational smoking ban” provision, raising questions of potential conflict of interest.
Oct.27
Illegal Vape Suppliers Move Online After Queensland Crackdown
Illegal Vape Suppliers Move Online After Queensland Crackdown
Less than two weeks after Queensland police raided and shut down tobacconists suspected of selling illegal e-cigarettes, at least one supplier has moved its business online. Flyers with QR codes advertising same-day delivery of vapes, tobacco, and nicotine pouches were found taped to electricity poles across the Gold Coast.
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai