UK Trading Standards Seize Over 300,000 Counterfeit Products

Dec.28.2022
UK Trading Standards Seize Over 300,000 Counterfeit Products
Kent Trading Standards seized over 300k counterfeit products, including illegal e-cigarettes with 10x the legal nicotine limit.

According to a report by the British Broadcasting Corporation, the Kent Trading Standards of the UK's trading standards department seized over 300,000 counterfeit products in December.


James Whiddett, spokesperson for the UK's Trading Standards agency KTS, stated that although much of their work focuses on retail stores, they are now targeting the supply chain. He explained that they are working to prevent the distribution of devices in which the nicotine levels exceed legal limits by up to 10 times.


He stated, "Currently, the legal limit for disposable e-cigarette cartridges is 2 milliliters, which is equivalent to 600 puffs. We have seen products entering the UK with 3,500 puffs and some even with 7,000 puffs. Thus, they are illegal and cannot be provided to anyone.


He continued to state that in the past nine months, there has been a sharp rise in demand for disposable e-cigarettes in the UK.


He said, "These electronic cigarettes don't require users to add their own e-liquid, which makes them both convenient and simple. We're unsure where these illegal e-cigarettes have ended up and our investigation is ongoing.


Gillian Golden, CEO of the UK Independent Electronic Cigarette Trade Association, has stated that non-compliant electronic cigarette products are often associated with illegal sales, typically targeting underage consumers.


Gillian Golden stated that the association will continue to assist in the rigorous investigation of non-compliant transactions of electronic cigarette products.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

RJR Vapor Loses Tax Refund Case as Texas High Court Finds VELO Pouches Taxable
RJR Vapor Loses Tax Refund Case as Texas High Court Finds VELO Pouches Taxable
The Texas Supreme Court issued a case summary on May 8, 2026, describing its decision in Hancock v. RJR Vapor Co. LLC. The dispute centered on whether RJR Vapor’s VELO oral nicotine pouches are taxable as “tobacco products” under the Texas Tax Code. Lower courts had held that the pouches were not taxable tobacco products, but the Texas Supreme Court reversed, concluding that VELO pouches are taxable because they are made of “a tobacco substitute.”
May.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI U.S. Launches America250 Initiative, Introduces Limited-Edition ZYN Patriotic Storage Can
PMI U.S. Launches America250 Initiative, Introduces Limited-Edition ZYN Patriotic Storage Can
PMI U.S. launched its America250 initiative on June 1 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. As part of the program, the company introduced a limited-edition ZYN Patriotic Storage Can and released an IQOS U.S. Edition device. Beyond product-related activities, the initiative also includes innovation funding, nationwide events and community engagement programs.
PMI
Jun.05
Sweden Becomes First EU Country to Reach Smoke-Free Status as Daily Smoking Falls to 4.8%
Sweden Becomes First EU Country to Reach Smoke-Free Status as Daily Smoking Falls to 4.8%
According to the latest CAN report and multiple media reports, Sweden’s daily smoking rate fell to 4.8% in 2025, below the commonly used 5% smoke-free threshold, making it the first EU country to reach that benchmark.
News
Jun.05
Canada Recalls Siberia and ZYN Nicotine Pouches Over Unauthorized Sales
Canada Recalls Siberia and ZYN Nicotine Pouches Over Unauthorized Sales
Health Canada has issued a nationwide recall for nicotine pouch products sold under the Siberia and ZYN brands, citing a lack of market authorization. All affected lots are subject to the recall.
Jun.15
Namibia Moves to Tighten Laws on E-Cigarettes and Emerging Nicotine Products
Namibia Moves to Tighten Laws on E-Cigarettes and Emerging Nicotine Products
Namibia is moving to tighten regulation of e-cigarettes and other emerging nicotine products as part of broader tobacco control efforts. Deputy health minister Susan Ndjaleka said the government is reviewing the Tobacco Products Control Act to close regulatory gaps and address emerging tobacco products. Namibia is also working toward joining the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products in order to curb the black market and protect public revenue.
Apr.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Tobacco Farming in the New Nicotine Era: Why Indian Farmers Struggle to Transition — Contributed by Samrat Chowdhery
Tobacco Farming in the New Nicotine Era: Why Indian Farmers Struggle to Transition — Contributed by Samrat Chowdhery
In this contributed article to 2Firsts, Mumbai-based journalist and harm reduction advocate Samrat Chowdhery examines India’s tobacco transition from the perspective of agriculture, supply chains and regulation. As noted by 2Firsts, India offers a relevant case for understanding how new nicotine technologies may affect not only consumption, trade and policy, but also tobacco farming.
Special Report
May.29