New BBC Doc reveals 45 million Illegal Vapes Are Sold in the UK
In this article...
Please note all disposable devices are now banned from sale and distribution in the UK.
Radio and TV Presenter Jordan North's first ever documentary for BBC 3 aimed to reveal the truth behind prohibited vapes.
The programme features exclusive data from Trading Standards UK which reveals 45 million illegal vapes are sold and consumed a year, generating 300 million pounds of profit.
Jordan spent time with Newcastle Trading Standards, where he discovered officers don’t hold the power to grant on the spot fines to illegal vape sellers. As a direct result, 1 in 3 shops in the area are repeat offenders.
The programme completed a freedom of information request to 100 councils across the UK. It inquired how many local authorities executed fines on illegal vape sellers.
This request received 81 council replies, which revealed that 95 Businesses were recommended for prosecution in 2023. Only 41 of the businesses received a fine.
In response to this, the Government is set to tackle the issue in its Tobacco and Vaping Bill. Unveiled by the Government in March 2025, a new £10 million boost will be given to Trading Standards in local communities next year. This is expected to fund more than 80 junior officers to help crack down on illegal trade (GOV.UK, 2025).
From the 1st June 2025 the manufacture and sale of single use devices will be illegal in the England. The Government hope this will help prevent the circulation of dangerous devices, and protect consumer health.
Later on in the year the Government will implement the Tobacco and Vape Bill, which features a range of regulations aimed to prevent the circulation of illicit vapes and tobacco products in the UK. As well as prevent underage use.
To learn more about what's inside an illegal vape Jordan visited Inter Scientific, a Liverpool lab that researches prohibited devices.
Research revealed around 29% of illegal vapes tested in their lab contained lead, nearly double the amount found in 2023 (15%).
Inter Scientific Technicians found that 87% of tested illegal vapes had high levels of nickel. Prolonged exposure to Nickel is extremely harmful to the body and your organs.
What Are Illegal Vapes?
Illegal vapes usually contain more liquid and nicotine than the 2ml capacity and 20mg strength UK limit. Although even if a disposable vape follows the capacity and nicotine regulations, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is legal. Products need to be registered and published on the MHRA website to legally be sold to consumers in the UK.
ELUX is most known for the Legend 3500, which is not compliant in the UK. However, the brand does have products such as the Legend Mini and Nic Salts, which are legal in the UK.
From June 1st 2025 all disposable devices will be illegal in the England, and will no longer be able to be sold or manufactured.
Our Thoughts
At the Electronic Cigarette Company, we follow the statistics and know vaping is a lifesaving smoking alternative. Rogue traders make it extremely difficult for many ex-smokers to access safe devices. We implore you to research before you buy and ensure to purchase from reputable retailers such as ourselves.
Source:
GOV.UK. (2025). More officers on streets to smoke out illicit tobacco and vapes.
