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

Oct.08.2024

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.

References:

[1] Tougher action needed on illegal vape trade despite thousands of seizures, officials say

Also Read:

[1] UK Study: 5.1 Million E-Cigarette Users, Over 1 Million Non-Smokers Start Vaping

[2] Study Finds Concerning Trends Among E-cigarette Users in UK

[3] Illegal Tobacco Trade in UK: Rising Concerns and Solutions

[4] Store Fined £19,211 for Selling Illegal E-Cigarettes to Students

[5] Thousands of Illegal E-Cigarettes and Cigarettes Seized in West Yorkshire

[6] Rising Concerns Over Illegal E-cigarette Sales in Staffordshire

[7] Rising e-cigarette sales among Welsh teenagers demand stricter penalties.

[8] Police crackdown in Conwy uncovers illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes

#Europe #Open system e-cigarettes #UK #Regulation

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