ITV Report: Proliferation of Illegal E-Cigarettes in the UK

Oct.08.2024
ITV Report: Proliferation of Illegal E-Cigarettes in the UK
Illegal e-cigarettes flood UK streets with products claiming up to 9000 puffs and incorrect health warnings, experts urge action.

According to a report by ITV on October 7th, illegal e-cigarettes are widespread in the UK. Reporters found some illegal e-cigarette products on the streets, including devices claiming to hold up to 9000 puffs and e-cigarette devices with incorrect health warning labels. Experts point out that devices with high puff counts likely contain e-liquid capacities far exceeding the regulated 2 milliliters.


According to the latest data from the UK Freedom of Information (FOI), nearly 400,000 illegal e-cigarette devices have been seized in the past two years. Industry experts say that more action is needed.


In addition, by analyzing Freedom of Information (FOI) data, the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) found:


Since 2022, approximately 387,000 illegal e-cigarettes have been seized; total fines collected for selling these products amount to less than £11,000 (£10,730); city councils have visited around 1,800 (1,867) shops suspected of selling illegal e-cigarettes, but advocates believe this is far from sufficient. Official data shows that 12% of UK adults use e-cigarettes. The government has stated that they are seeking additional enforcement funds in the next budget. These findings indicate that there are enforcement issues with existing regulations.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Malaysia Nicotine Vape Market Faces Legal Uncertainty Over Tax and Poisons List Ruling
Malaysia Nicotine Vape Market Faces Legal Uncertainty Over Tax and Poisons List Ruling
Malaysia’s Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim said duties and taxes on nicotine-containing vape products will be determined in line with the Court of Appeal’s ruling on whether liquid or gel nicotine can be exempted from the Poisons List under the Poisons Act 1952, a case that could affect the legal basis for vape taxation, retail sales and future ban policy.
Jun.29
BAT's VELO Partners With McLaren F1 Team for Global Fan Campaign to Expand Nicotine Pouch Brand Reach
BAT's VELO Partners With McLaren F1 Team for Global Fan Campaign to Expand Nicotine Pouch Brand Reach
BAT-owned nicotine pouch brand VELO and the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team have launched a global fan engagement campaign offering motorsport enthusiasts opportunities to win exclusive team-related experiences. The initiative aims to connect racing culture, fan interaction and VELO’s brand experience across global markets. The partnership reflects BAT’s broader strategy of expanding modern nicotine product brands beyond traditional tobacco categories through lifestyle and cultural marketing.
Jul.23
South Korea Rejects 16 Trillion Won Tax-Evasion Claim Over Chinese Synthetic Nicotine
South Korea Rejects 16 Trillion Won Tax-Evasion Claim Over Chinese Synthetic Nicotine
The South Korean government rejected allegations that Chinese synthetic-nicotine e-liquids were linked to about 16 trillion won in tobacco tax evasion, saying China does not ban synthetic nicotine exports and the estimate is difficult to verify, while acknowledging that pre-law synthetic-nicotine inventory is effectively difficult to tax.
Market
Jun.25
One Year After UK Disposable Vape Ban: Youth Use Falls to 13%, Adult Use to 8%
One Year After UK Disposable Vape Ban: Youth Use Falls to 13%, Adult Use to 8%
among both youth and adults. However, industry groups and regulators warn that the illicit vape market remains a growing concern.
Jun.09
Changing Assumptions in U.S. Cigar Consumption: 2Firsts Interviews Cigar Educator Mechelle Merkerson
Changing Assumptions in U.S. Cigar Consumption: 2Firsts Interviews Cigar Educator Mechelle Merkerson
U.S. premium cigar culture is shifting toward education, broader choice and deeper links to craftsmanship and origin, cigar educator Mechelle Merkerson told 2Firsts. She sees boutique brands, women consumers and production-region experiences making knowledge central to cigar participation. For global brands, retailers and emerging markets such as China, education may help turn curiosity into sustained engagement.
Special Report
Jul.06
UK Councils Seize More Than 1.3 Million Non-Compliant Vapes One Year After Disposable Ban
UK Councils Seize More Than 1.3 Million Non-Compliant Vapes One Year After Disposable Ban
One year after the UK disposable vape ban came into force, local authorities continue to seize illegal and non-compliant vaping products. FOI data compiled by nicotine retailer Northerner shows more than 1.3 million products were seized between June 2025 and May 2026, with Bolton recording the highest number of seizures and Swansea reporting the highest estimated value.
Jul.21