A map exhibits the place within the UK essentially the most unlawful vapes have been seized by authorities. Unlawful vape outlets pop up on UK excessive streets as conventional companies shut.
Unlawful vapes have gotten a significant issue within the UK (Picture: Getty)
A worrying new map exhibits the cities, cities and counties the place unlawful vapes are a critical difficulty. As outlets shut on excessive streets throughout the nation as a result of rising prices and altering shopper habits, many areas have been taken by vape outlets. Whereas these are sometimes authentic companies, a lot of unlawful vape outlets have appeared across the nation, promoting counterfeit vapes that pose critical well being and security dangers. Unlawful vapes don’t adjust to the Tobacco and Associated Merchandise Rules 2016 (TRPR).
This regulation units out guidelines for vapes and e-cigarettes, resembling nicotine ranges and tank sizes. An business chief has warned that the most recent information may simply be the “tip of the iceberg” as he shares concern over this “deeply troubling” difficulty. A current report by vape retailer Vape Membership revealed that greater than half of councils (55%) seized unlawful vapes final 12 months. It additionally recognized the council areas the place essentially the most unlawful vapes have been seized, with one seizing greater than half one million over the past three years.
The report revealed that Central Bedfordshire Council seized essentially the most, with 345,718 uncovered in 2025. Bolton Council adopted with 259,492 unlawful vapes seized final 12 months, and 346,338 over the past three years.
Different hotspots recognized have been Kent, Swansea, Liverpool and Hillingdon. The information was gathered from a freedom of knowledge (FOI) request from native councils throughout the UK.
Bedfordshire’s disaster is believed to be associated to its proximity to Luton Airport, with illicit imports shifting away from London Heathrow Airport. In the meantime, Dover, Eurotunnel and the Dartford parcel hub have been recognized as key transport hubs for unlawful vapes in Kent.
The map under exhibits the worst-affected areas the place essentially the most unlawful vapes have been seized.
Unlawful vapes pose much more well being dangers as they’re unregulated. Dan Marchant, Director at Vape Membership and founder member of the UKVIA, mentioned: “We’ve lengthy referred to as for a retail and distributor licensing framework to be carried out for the vape sector.
“This would offer buying and selling requirements the ability and assets to successfully implement the regulation proper throughout the UK. It’s a nationwide difficulty and is affecting our excessive streets and native areas.”
Leave a Reply