Border authorities confiscate more than four million illicit vaping devices

The number of illegal vapes seized at the UK border has quadrupled in the past year as authorities struggle to control unlicensed imports during a rise in youth vaping. Over the last 12 months, more than 4.5 million vapes weighing nearly ten tonnes were confiscated, a fourfold increase from 2022. The figures were obtained through a Freedom of Information request made by the BBC. The government is planning to introduce new regulations for the industry, which may include a ban on disposable vapes. These single-use products have become popular, particularly during the pandemic, due to their bright packaging and flavors that resemble sweets and soft drinks. There are concerns that their marketing should be restricted to protect children, as it is illegal to sell them to individuals under the age of 18. Disposable e-cigarettes sold legally in the UK have strict limits on their nicotine levels, but Chinese-made vapes that contain significantly larger amounts of liquid and promise thousands of puffs are readily available. Illegal disposable vapes, offering 3,500 puffs, are openly sold on London's Oxford Street. The BBC was able to easily purchase two vapes containing 4.5ml of liquid from UK-based online retailers. The seized vapes do not meet quality control standards and may contain harmful chemicals. There are worries that retailers willing to flout product rules may also disregard the ban on selling to minors. The Home Office has stated that the government will not tolerate the sale of illegal products, including counterfeit vapes. Border Force, responsible for intercepting vapes entering the UK, works closely with law enforcement agencies to stop illicit goods. Trading Standards teams at local councils take over responsibility for vapes once they reach the UK. Efforts are being made to crack down on illegal vapes and underage sales, with more than one million vapes seized through Operation Joseph. Various councils around the UK have also reported an increase in seizures. Manchester, a hub for both legal and illegal vape trade, saw a tenfold increase in confiscated vapes in 2023 compared to the previous year. The London Borough of Hillingdon, however, experienced a decline in seizures, potentially due to increased enforcement efforts around Heathrow airport. Kent County Council has worked with Border Force to seize over 440,000 vapes at shops and Channel ports. The government is expected to introduce new regulations to tighten the market, which could include an outright ban on disposable vapes, a licensing system for retailers, and a tax. Some argue that taxing single-use products would help reduce illegal imports, while others fear a ban on disposables could lead to an increased demand for illegal vapes. Action on Smoking and Health, an anti-smoking charity, emphasizes the need for a well-thought-out and properly implemented strategy if disposable vapes are to be banned.