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

Can hookah go institutional? A hookah company seeking to go public makes its case with capital, technology and regulation
Can hookah go institutional? A hookah company seeking to go public makes its case with capital, technology and regulation
2Firsts explored whether hookah can evolve into a more mature and governable category by interviewing Dubai-based hookah company AIR. AIR argues that strong margins, OOKA’s closed-system model and the prospect of differentiated regulation could support that shift. The larger question is whether this is simply AIR’s capital-markets narrative, or an early sign that competition, regulation and category boundaries in hookah are beginning to change.
Apr.02
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
Scandinavian Tobacco Group to Hold Annual General Meeting on April 15
Scandinavian Tobacco Group to Hold Annual General Meeting on April 15
Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S has issued notice of its annual general meeting, which will be held on April 15, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. in Copenhagen and will also be available by live webcast.
Mar.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI Sells Stake in Swedish Match Brazil Business, Including Fiat Lux Brand
PMI Sells Stake in Swedish Match Brazil Business, Including Fiat Lux Brand
Philip Morris International said it is selling its stake in Swedish Match do Brasil, which controls the Brazilian household goods brand Fiat Lux. The buyer is Ignis FIP, a Brazilian private investment vehicle backed by businessman Marcos Fernando Garms. The transaction also includes Swedish Match da Amazônia, but the value of the deal was not disclosed. PMI said the sale is aligned with its vision of a smoke-free future.
Mar.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Imperial Brands Expands Blu Fruit-Flavour Offerings Following Consumer Preference Data
Imperial Brands Expands Blu Fruit-Flavour Offerings Following Consumer Preference Data
Imperial Brands has announced the launch of a new Sour Berry flavour for its Blu vape range. The product will launch across retail this month, with both the Blu bar kit and Blu pod pack carrying a recommended retail price of GBP 5.99 (approximately USD 7.79, based on 1 GBP ≈ 1.30 USD).
Apr.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Dutch Data Show 244 Companies Continued Illegal Vape Sales After Two Fines
Dutch Data Show 244 Companies Continued Illegal Vape Sales After Two Fines
According to RTL Nieuws, citing figures from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), hundreds of Dutch shops continue to sell illegal vapes, often even after repeated fines.
Apr.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai