A study completed by Vape Club revealed in 2023 only 5% of illegal vape sellers were issued a penalty.
A recent study formed by Vape Club looked into the rise in circulation of illegal vapes in the UK.
The company submitted Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to all UK local authorities. A generous 152 provided data that spanned 2019-2023. The FOI requested information on the number of illegal vapes and cigarettes seized in the UK, how many sellers were caught, and granted fines/penalties.
What were the study’s key findings?
The study’s findings revealed that 1.57 million illegal vapes were seized in the UK in 2023. The number of vapes seized increased 19 times between 2020-2023 (1).
The huge growth in the circulation of illicit devices has had very little change in enforcement.
In 2023, 2,871 sellers were identified as possessing, stocking, or selling illegal vapes. Only 1 in 20 (139), received a fine or penalty. On average the traders who were issued a fine paid £2,019.
Currently, in the UK, the maximum fine that can handed out to rogue traders is £2,500. Many local authorities and trading standards officials believe that the maximum fine should increase. Scotland laid out their plans in their recent draft legislation on the ban on disposable vapes. If implemented it will allow local authorities to issue between £5000-£10,000 fines. Or up to a two-year prison sentence.
In comparison, the UK Government announced in its recent Tobacco and Vapes Bill to introduce on the spot £100 fines. This will allow enforcement officers across the UK to grant immediate fines.
Dan Marchant, Director of Vape Club stated:
“We completely welcome the move to allow the trading standard to issue on-the-spot fines, but we would like to see those fines increased to at least £10,000 and increase the fine for repeat offenders”
“The best deterrent for any crime is the likelihood of being caught and right now that is incredibly low, and rogue retailers are taking full advantage of this. We have to create an environment where there is much more chance of being caught”.
Where are the UK’s Illegal Vape Hotspots?
The UK’s hotspot regions typically surround key airports and seaports.
The top three areas for devices seized are towns and cities next to Heathrow Airport, Manchester Airport, and the Port of Dover. They account for 42% of the UK’s seized devices, with a total of 664,021 vapes.
In 2023, Kent had the highest number of illegal vapes seized, with 281,133.
In second was the London borough of Hillingdon, with 224,454 seized devices.
Greater Manchester equated to 22% of the total, with 1 in every 10 sellers caught in possession, stocking, or selling illegal vapes in the area.
Next door Lancashire had 36,617 devices seized. It stands as the 10th highest region for prohibited devices seized.
Find out more about the illegal vaping report.
Our Thoughts
At TECC.co.uk we believe the research completed by Vape Club is key in the fight against rogue traders. The rise in the circulation of prohibited products makes it extremely difficult for ex-smokers to access safe devices. At The Electronic Cigarette Company, we would always implore you to research before you buy.
Sources
(1). Vape Club. The 2024 Illegal Vaping Report.