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

Russian State Duma considers regulations to address widespread use of e-cigarettes among youth
Russian State Duma considers regulations to address widespread use of e-cigarettes among youth
Russian Duma considers comprehensive regulations to address widespread e-cigarette use among youth, including potential sales bans and flavor restrictions.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ireland Considering Ban on Nicotine Pouches to Protect Youth, Says Chief Medical Officer
Ireland Considering Ban on Nicotine Pouches to Protect Youth, Says Chief Medical Officer
Ireland’s Department of Health is examining a ban on nicotine pouches to curb nicotine use among young people. Chief Medical Officer Prof. Mary Horgan said the ban could be included in amendments to the current tobacco bill.
Nov.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Argentine province of Santa Fe passes bill expanding smoking regulations to include e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products
Argentine province of Santa Fe passes bill expanding smoking regulations to include e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products
The Santa Fe Provincial Chamber of Deputies has passed a bill amending the 2005 Provincial Anti-Smoking Law (No. 12,432) to include e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and heated tobacco products. Lawmaker Sonia Martorano, who authored the initiative, said the reform aims to strengthen prevention policies amid growing youth use, stressing that “even without nicotine, these devices are toxic.”
Nov.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
KT&G Unveils lil hybrid 3.0 Misty Rose Limited Edition, Limited to 20,000 Devices
KT&G Unveils lil hybrid 3.0 Misty Rose Limited Edition, Limited to 20,000 Devices
KT&G has launched the limited-edition “lil hybrid 3.0 Misty Rose Edition” heated tobacco device in South Korea, betting on year-end consumer demand with a gradient rose-colored design. The release is capped at 20,000 units and is available through both online and offline channels, with an official retail price of 78,000 won (approximately USD 53).
Nov.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singapore Charges 14 Over Vape Syndicate Under Organised Crime Act
Singapore Charges 14 Over Vape Syndicate Under Organised Crime Act
Singapore police said 13 people were charged on Oct 30 under the Organised Crime Act over an alleged syndicate supplying vapes locally; a 14th suspect is expected to be charged on Oct 31. All 14 had earlier been charged for possessing, or conspiring to possess, vapes for sale and are remanded. Police said the group allegedly imported vapes from Malaysia. OCA carries up to S$100,000 fine or five years’ jail; vape import/sale offences also face stiff penalties.
Oct.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia’s Vape Market Squeezed by Excise Hikes and Criminal Marking Rules
Russia’s Vape Market Squeezed by Excise Hikes and Criminal Marking Rules
According to Business FM, Russia’s vape and e-liquid supply has tightened since mid-Aug; by early Oct top liquids had largely disappeared and prices rose ~50% vs early summer. Shops cite a two-year excise hike to RUB 44/mL and, from Aug, criminal liability for unmarked goods (large-scale from RUB 100k), prompting withdrawals. Some chains report compliant substitutes. A bill would let regions ban vape sales.
Oct.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai