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

Philip Morris Korea Names Lee Hong-seok as New CEO Effective May 1
Philip Morris Korea Names Lee Hong-seok as New CEO Effective May 1
Philip Morris Korea said on April 29 that it has appointed Lee Hong-seok, head of its smoke-free products division, as its new chief executive officer, with his term beginning on May 1. Yoon Hee-kyung, who took office in 2023, will step down after about three years in the role.
Apr.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thailand’s DDC Files Complaint Over Online Sales of Nicotine Pouches
Thailand’s DDC Files Complaint Over Online Sales of Nicotine Pouches
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control has lodged a complaint over the alleged online sale of nicotine pouches. The department said its monitoring found the products were being advertised and sold through electronic media, and a further inquiry later identified a physical shop linked to a store in Pathum Thani province.
Mar.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Alberta Seeks to Add New Vape Restrictions on Top of Existing Tobacco Framework
Alberta Seeks to Add New Vape Restrictions on Top of Existing Tobacco Framework
A new Alberta bill aimed at reducing vaping rates, especially among young people, is moving into the legislative process. Bill 208, the Vaping Reduction Act, was introduced by United Conservative Party MLA Chelsae Petrovic and appears to build on the province’s existing Tobacco, Smoking and Vaping Reduction Act. Early reporting suggests the bill could focus on disposable vapes and impose further limits on youth access to vaping products.
Apr.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Argentina Issues Resolution 549/2026 to Regulate Vapes, Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Pouches
Argentina Issues Resolution 549/2026 to Regulate Vapes, Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Pouches
Argentina’s government has created a comprehensive regulatory framework for nicotine products, including vapes, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches, through Resolution 549/2026 published in the Official Gazette. The new regulation ends the previous prohibitive framework and establishes rules to organize the market by requiring traceability, quality standards and mandatory registration for all manufacturers and retailers operating in the country.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thailand’s Bangkok Port Customs Reports E-Cigarette and Nitrous Oxide Seizure Worth More Than THB 27 Million
Thailand’s Bangkok Port Customs Reports E-Cigarette and Nitrous Oxide Seizure Worth More Than THB 27 Million
Bangkok Port Customs on April 28 announced the seizure of 52,000 complete e-cigarettes, 100 gallons of e-liquid and 126,226 canisters of nitrous oxide, with total economic damage exceeding THB 27 million, or about USD 831,178 based on an April 28 USD/THB rate of 32.484. The e-cigarette and e-liquid shipment was valued at THB 5.56 million, or about USD 171,161, while the nitrous oxide shipment was valued at THB 21.27 million, or about USD 654,784.
Apr.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
 China’s E-Cigarette Exports Reached About USD 903 Million in March 2026, Up 4.4% Year on Year
China’s E-Cigarette Exports Reached About USD 903 Million in March 2026, Up 4.4% Year on Year
According to the latest country-level data released by China’s General Administration of Customs, China’s e-cigarette-related exports totaled about USD 903 million in March 2026, up about 4.4% from roughly USD 865 million a year earlier. The United States, the United Kingdom and Germany remained the top three destinations, while the top 10 markets together accounted for about 72.2% of total exports.
Apr.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai