Key Points:
1. A survey in the UK has found that one quarter of adults believe they have purchased counterfeit e-cigarettes. 67% of users suspect they have bought fake products, 56% are concerned about the safety of materials, and one third of users have reported experiencing negative side effects.
2. Only 20% of e-cigarette users verify the authenticity of the products they purchase, while 25% have intentionally bought counterfeit products without a brand.
3. About half of retailers in the UK are selling illegal e-cigarettes, and the ban on disposable e-cigarettes is leading consumers to turn to illegal products.
One in four adults in the UK believe they have unknowingly bought counterfeit e-cigarettes, with many suspecting that most shops sell low-quality products, the Daily Star reported on March 10, citing a recent survey.
A poll of 500 e-cigarette users showed 67% suspected they had purchased counterfeits, often citing poor packaging or unusually low prices. Half said taste and smell were key indicators of fake products.
Only 20% of e-cigarette users always verified the authenticity of the product before use, while 25% admited to intentionally purchasing potentially counterfeit unbranded e-cigarette products.
Despite this, 56% of e-cigarette users were concerned about the safety of the materials used. The report indicated that many people are worried about counterfeit e-cigarettes being linked to a range of health issues.
In addition, one-third of individuals who admitted to using illegal products had experienced adverse effects, including sore throat (33%), oral or throat irritation (30%), and fatigue or weakness (24%).
Harris Tanvir, the founder of UK Ecig Store, who commissioned the research, said: "We estimate that more than half of the UK’s top 200 retailers are selling illicit vape products—a concerning reality for consumers."
He believes that the disposable e-cigarette ban implemented by the UK government in June was done with good intentions, but it may lead to more people purchasing unregulated products.
"With illicit vape seizures already at record highs, ensuring access to compliant products will be vital."
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