What Are Illegal Vapes?
What Are Illegal Vapes?
Illegal vapes are untested e-cigarettes or vaping products sold in the UK which do not follow regulations. This can include fake or counterfeit vapes, those with high levels of nicotine, or products that haven’t been properly checked. These illegal vapes can harm people’s health, especially young people. They come in various types:
Fake Brands
Fake versions of popular vape brands, often looking similar but not meeting legal standards.
Excessively Strong Vapes
Some illegal vapes contain much more nicotine than allowed, making them stronger than legal products
Smuggled
Vapes brought from other countries might not follow UK rules and can include ingredients that are banned here.
How To Spot It?
Puff Count
Legal disposable vapes are limited to 600 puffs. Devices claiming thousands of puffs are likely illegal.
Too Much Liquid
Vape devices must not contain more than 2ml of e-liquid. Any device exceeding this limit is against the law.
Nicotine Strength
Nicotine-containing vapes must not exceed 20mg/ml (2%). Devices with higher nicotine levels, such as 5% (50mg/ml), are illegal in the UK.
No Warnings
If the health warnings on the pack are missing or in another language, it’s likely illegal.
Strange or Unusual Brands
Be cautious of brands you’ve never heard of or that seem odd. Many illegal vapes use names similar to well-known brands to trick buyers.
Unusually Low Prices
If a vape is being sold for much less than you would expect—especially for popular brands—it may be illegal.
Sales in Uncommon Locations
Illegal vapes are often sold in places like carboot sales, private homes, or corner shops.
Non-Compliant Packaging
Check for child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging. Legal vapes also include a tactile warning triangle for visually impaired users. Missing these features? Likely illegal.
Sold Without Proof of Age
If a seller doesn’t ask for ID when purchasing, they’re likely not following regulations and may be selling illegal products.
Underage Sales of Vapes
A growing concern in Wales is the use of vapes among schoolchildren. A quarter of all schoolchildren in Wales have tried a vape, and among those who vape regularly, 55% are using untested illegal products. This highlights the urgent need to address the availability and safety of vaping products for young people.
Current vapers in Years 7 to 13 have reported where they buy or get their vapes from:
Friends, family or someone they know.
Shops
Online sales
Where Is It Sold?
Illegal vapes can be found in places where you might not expect. Here are some common spots:
Shops
Private homes
Pubs/Clubs
Social Media
Car-boots
On The Streets
Latest Updates
Discover how illegal tobacco affects real people and how your reports make a difference.
