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.

Kentucky Governor Signs Tobacco, Nicotine, and Vapor Product Licensing Bill Into Law
Kentucky Governor Signs Tobacco, Nicotine, and Vapor Product Licensing Bill Into Law
A Kentucky bill relating to tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product licensing was signed by the governor on April 10, 2026, and enacted as Acts Chapter 70. The measure sets application requirements for tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product licenses, governs batch licensing, renewals, ownership changes, and denial grounds, and requires the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to publish application forms and related regulations within 30 days of the law’s effective date.
Apr.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
AIR Shares Drop 18.6% in Nasdaq Debut, Testing Hookah’s Move Toward Public Markets
AIR Shares Drop 18.6% in Nasdaq Debut, Testing Hookah’s Move Toward Public Markets
AIR Global’s Nasdaq debut under ticker AIIR ended with a 18.6% first-day decline, giving the global hookah industry a rare public-market reference point. Beyond one company’s share move, the listing raises a broader question: can a culturally rooted, fragmented and venue-based category evolve into a more scalable and investable consumer sector?
Special Report
May.19
Pennsylvania to Publish Vape Manufacturer Directory by June 20
Pennsylvania to Publish Vape Manufacturer Directory by June 20
Now that Act 57 of 2025 is in effect, every manufacturer of nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes sold or offered for retail sale in Pennsylvania must be certified by the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General.
Apr.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
From myblu to Zone: Imperial Brands Refocuses NGP Strategy in HY26
From myblu to Zone: Imperial Brands Refocuses NGP Strategy in HY26
mperial Brands’ HY26 results point to a more selective NGP transition. The company is using cash flow from traditional tobacco to fund targeted investments in modern oral nicotine, heated tobacco and reusable vaping systems. Its decision to exit the legacy myblu vaping business in the U.S., while expanding Zone nicotine pouches. In Europe, Imperial’s NGP growth is being driven by a multi-category portfolio including blu, Pulze and Zone/Skruf.
Special Report
May.12
BAT Rothmans Upgrades neo™ Boost for glo™ HYPER Series
BAT Rothmans Upgrades neo™ Boost for glo™ HYPER Series
BAT Rothmans said on April 13 that its heated tobacco brand glo™ will launch an upgraded version of neo™ Boost, the dedicated stick for the HYPER series. The company said the refresh focuses on strengthening freshness and cooling sensations to improve the overall user experience.
Apr.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
KT&G Q1 2026 Financial Results: Revenue at $1.156 Billion, E-Cigarettes to Launch Independent Overseas Expansion
KT&G Q1 2026 Financial Results: Revenue at $1.156 Billion, E-Cigarettes to Launch Independent Overseas Expansion
KT&G reports a 27.6% increase in Q1 operating profit, with traditional and new tobacco sectors driving growth.
May.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai