Illegal vape seizures have seen a significant surge in parts of the UK, with a new report revealing alarming statistics. According to the latest data on illegal vape seizures, certain regions have witnessed a substantial increase in the confiscation of illegal vapes over the past 12 months. For instance, Essex has experienced a staggering rise of over 14,000%, positioning it just behind the London Borough of Hillingdon in terms of total seizures. The proximity of Essex to Heathrow airport is believed to be a contributing factor to this surge, as explained by industry expert Ben Johnson, the Founder of Riot Labs.
The Illegal Vape report, issued by the Vape Club following a Freedom of Information request, outlined the top ten counties with the highest seizures in the past year and the percentage change compared to 2023. In total, two illegal vapes were confiscated every minute in 2024, with nearly £9 million worth of illegal vapes removed from UK circulation. The report also highlighted a dramatic 100-fold increase in the number of illegal vapes seized annually since 2020. Ben Johnson expressed concerns over the flourishing illegal vape black market and emphasised the need for government intervention through the implementation of a licensing scheme.
Johnson underscored the inefficacy of prohibition and advocated instead for a well-executed licensing scheme for vapes, which he believes would be self-funded and effectively enforced. He emphasised the role vapes play in helping adult smokers quit and stressed that a proper licensing scheme is crucial to curbing illegal vapes and addressing youth vaping issues. In England, London accounted for nearly half of all illegal vape seizures (47%), while Newport in Wales exhibited significant increases, contributing to 70% of Wales’ total seizures, underscoring the need for heightened attention to this area. In Scotland, Renfrewshire Council reported the highest number of seizures, with 3,814 incidents.
Dan Marchant, CEO of the Vape Club, pointed out the risks posed by illegal vapes to consumers, highlighting dangers such as dangerously high nicotine levels and contaminated products. He urged the government to reevaluate its approach and consider a proposed retail and distributor licensing framework as the most effective solution to combat the youth vape problem without adversely impacting smokers using vapes to quit smoking. Recognising the public health risks associated with illegal vapes, Marchant stressed the urgency of addressing this issue promptly and effectively.
Identifying illegal vapes can be challenging, but there are key signs to watch out for, including tank sizes exceeding 2ml, nicotine strengths exceeding 20mg/ml, absence of health or nicotine warnings, poor-quality packaging, lack of UK address or foreign language labelling, and untested products without proper safety checks or ingredient lists displayed. It is crucial for consumers to remain vigilant and informed about the risks posed by illegal vapes and to report any suspicious products to the authorities promptly. The prevalence of illegal vapes underscores the need for comprehensive regulatory measures to safeguard public health and combat the illicit market in vaping products.
In conclusion, the surge in illegal vape seizures signals a pressing need for enhanced regulation and enforcement strategies to protect consumers and address the growing threat of illicit vaping products. Industry experts and advocates are calling on the government to implement a licensing scheme to tackle the proliferation of illegal vapes and ensure the safety of individuals using vaping products for smoking cessation. By raising awareness about the risks associated with illegal vapes and promoting responsible consumption practices, stakeholders can work together to create a safer vaping environment for all.