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

Japan Tobacco International Malaysia Appoints Didier Ellena as Managing Director; Predecessor Reassigned to North Asia Role
Japan Tobacco International Malaysia Appoints Didier Ellena as Managing Director; Predecessor Reassigned to North Asia Role
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) Malaysia has appointed Didier Ellena as managing director, effective Jan 5. Ellena has spent more than 30 years with JTI and has held leadership roles across multiple countries and regions. His predecessor, Juliana Mohd Yahaya, will become vice president of sales and marketing for JTI North Asia.
Jan.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Irish Government Approves Ban on Disposable Vapes and Tightens Nicotine Controls
Irish Government Approves Ban on Disposable Vapes and Tightens Nicotine Controls
Irish Government has approved the Public Health (Single Use Vapes) Bill 2025, which will outlaw the sale of disposable e-cigarettes and introduce tighter restrictions on other nicotine products such as pouches. The move follows Northern Ireland’s similar ban earlier in 2025 and aims to protect young people from nicotine addiction.
Nov.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Poll Shows Britons Favor Regulation Over Bans on Nicotine Pouches
Poll Shows Britons Favor Regulation Over Bans on Nicotine Pouches
A new poll commissioned by We Vape UK reveals that most Britons favor regulation — not prohibition — of nicotine pouches. The survey shows broad public support for harm-reduction policies and frustration with weak government regulation, contrasting sharply with Ireland’s recent decision to ban disposable vapes and impose strict limits on nicotine products.
Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | ON! PLUS: Breakdown of Six FDA-PMTA-Authorized Nicotine Pouches—6/9 mg Strengths, Slim Format, and Traditional Flavours
Product | ON! PLUS: Breakdown of Six FDA-PMTA-Authorized Nicotine Pouches—6/9 mg Strengths, Slim Format, and Traditional Flavours
The U.S. FDA has added six ON!® PLUS nicotine pouch products to its list of Marketing Granted Order (MGO) authorizations. Based on 2Firsts’ review, the approved products feature a highly standardized configuration in terms of format, nicotine strength, and flavour portfolio, primarily focusing on 6 mg and 9 mg strengths and traditional variants such as mint, wintergreen, and tobacco—reflecting a clear compliance-oriented approach.
Dec.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
IQOS Partners with Mexico’s Zamna Festival; PMI Says Adult User Base Tops 140,000
IQOS Partners with Mexico’s Zamna Festival; PMI Says Adult User Base Tops 140,000
Philip Morris International (PMI) said IQOS, via its “IQOS Curious X” platform, has entered a global partnership with the Zamna music festival in Tulum, Mexico, with the collaboration making its on-site debut during Zamna 2026 and targeting adult nicotine users. PMI said IQOS has more than 34 million users worldwide, while the number of adult consumers in Mexico has surpassed 140,000.
Jan.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thai Customs Region 2 seizes 22,800 YOOZ-branded vape pod heads
Thai Customs Region 2 seizes 22,800 YOOZ-branded vape pod heads
Thailand’s Customs Region 2 searched a private logistics company in Mukdahan province and seized 22,800 vape pod heads with no evidence of customs clearance. The seized items weighed 389.50 kg in total and were valued at more than THB 4.5 million (about USD 143,581.90). The photo shows packaging marked “YOOZ”.
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai