The latest council data shows 1.2 million illegal vapes were seized in the last year alone, a 44% increase compared to the previous year. In 2024, two illegal vapes were seized every minute on average
The data reveals that Britain’s ports have been targeted by illegal vape product imports. Essex County Council, along with its international sea ports, and the local councils of Heathrow and Glasgow Airports accounted for over a third of the UK’s illegal vape seizures last year. The total for these councils is nearly three times higher than in 2023.
This data comes from a new Freedom of Information request to 108 local authorities, obtained by Vape Club, to create the 2025 Illegal Vapes Report. This industry is calling for the launch of the Vape Retailer and Distributor Licensing framework to effectively regulate the growing black market in the sector.
Manchester City Council was the fifth highest with 26,007 illegal vapes seized
Despite the rising issue of illegal vapes in the UK, punishment to those selling illegal vaping products is lacking. Only one in ten identified cases of selling illegal vapes led to a fine or penalty last year. In the same period, just £48,062 worth of fines were issued for illegal vape offences, £20,000 lower than the previous year.
While fines are infrequent, there has been progress in shutting down illegal operations at their roots. Last year, 108 retailers were given premises closure orders in relation to illegal vape operations – over double the number issued in 2023.
The figures still call into question the effectiveness of fines as a deterrent and highlights that more support is needed for trading standards and local authorities to keep up with the scale of the illegal vape trade.
Dan Marchant, Director at Vape Club, says:
“The real issue of illicit vape sales lies in the inadequate enforcement of current regulations and penalties for those in violation of the law. With the disposable vape ban coming into force, we risk a new generation of illegal and potentially dangerous vaping products in the UK, all because the core of the issue has not been addressed. This boils down to lacklustre fines and little structure to provide Trading Standards with adequate funding.
“This is why we are strong supporters of a robust vape retail and distribution licensing scheme, where the funds generated are ringfenced for pro-active enforcement of the laws. This much needed revenue could enable Border Force to catch a much greater amount of illegal products from ever entering the country, and for Trading Standards to flush out retailers flouting the law and impose significant penalties.”
