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

Exclusive Interview | What’s Changing in Cigars? A Data Firm’s Perspective on the Industry’s Turning Point
Exclusive Interview | What’s Changing in Cigars? A Data Firm’s Perspective on the Industry’s Turning Point
As regulations tighten, consumer habits evolve, and new nicotine products reshape the market, the cigar industry is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation. In this exclusive interview, 2Firsts speaks with Cigar Sense — a data-driven sensory analysis firm — to explore what’s really changing in cigars, and what it means for manufacturers, retailers, and smokers around the world.
Nov.10
The Pittsburgh City Council has introduced new regulations for e-cigarette shops, prohibiting them from being located within 1,500 feet of schools and other places
The Pittsburgh City Council has introduced new regulations for e-cigarette shops, prohibiting them from being located within 1,500 feet of schools and other places
US Pittsburgh City Council proposed a new bill: new e-cig stores can’t be within 1,500ft (≈457.2m) of schools, daycares, religious sites or parks. The restriction only applies to new stores, not existing ones. The bill also bans e-cig stores from operating 11pm-9am next day and requires e-cigs, CBD products, etc., to be stored in locked cabinets.
Sep.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Vietnam's tobacco tax reform receives WHO award, projected to boost annual revenue by $900 million
Vietnam's tobacco tax reform receives WHO award, projected to boost annual revenue by $900 million
The WHO Western Pacific Regional Director recently presented the WHO Global Award to Vietnamese Minister of Health Đào Hồng Lan. The tax reforms in the newly revised 2025 Special Consumption Tax Law will enable 2.1 million people in Vietnam to quit or not start smoking by 2031, and will also generate an additional VND24 trillion (US$910 million) in annual state revenue.
Sep.28
China Customs Seizes Over 265K Oral Nicotine Pouches; ‘ZYN’ and Unbranded Products Flagged for IP Violations
China Customs Seizes Over 265K Oral Nicotine Pouches; ‘ZYN’ and Unbranded Products Flagged for IP Violations
China Customs seized 265,140 oral nicotine pouches, including “ZYN”-branded and unbranded products, over suspected IP infringement and breaches of tobacco export rules.
Oct.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FCTC: Global tobacco control treaties to address nicotine addiction, tobacco’s impact on the environment and illicit tobacco trade
FCTC: Global tobacco control treaties to address nicotine addiction, tobacco’s impact on the environment and illicit tobacco trade
More than 1,400 delegates will gather in Geneva as two major global tobacco control treaties convene to address rising nicotine addiction, environmental harms, and illicit tobacco trade—key discussions that could shape the future of global tobacco control policy.
Nov.14
UK Launches Call for Evidence to Shape New Tobacco and Vapes Regulations
UK Launches Call for Evidence to Shape New Tobacco and Vapes Regulations
The UK's Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched an eight-week comprehensive call for evidence to inform new regulations under the forthcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill, with a deadline of December 3, 2025. The initiative aims to systematically gather evidence on vape flavors, ingredients, nicotine levels, and product design, as well as proposals for an omnichannel retail licensing scheme for tobacco and vapes and a new product registration system.
Nov.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai