Trading Standards teams across England have seized more than six million illegal vaping products since 2022, with Newcastle officials uncovering “sophisticated networks” smuggling the devices ahead of a national ban on single-use vapes set for June.
Paul Leighton, a senior Trading Standards officer at Newcastle City Council, described discovering illicit vapes hidden behind fake fuse boxes, inside fridges, and even within hydraulic lift panels. In one case, entire kitchen units were removed from walls to reveal stashes.
These vapes often exceed legal nicotine limits or contain tanks larger than the permitted 2ml, posing significant health risks. “Some of these devices deliver the equivalent of 200 cigarettes in one vape,” said Connor Lamb, a council technician involved in enforcement.
Figures obtained via Freedom of Information requests revealed:
- Over 6.1 million illegal vapes seized from 2022 to 2024.
- 3,766 incidents of retailers caught selling vapes to children.
- 7,594 test purchases where illicit or non-compliant vapes were sold.
- 316 shops shut down due to illegal sales; 67 closed for selling to minors.
In Newcastle, officers found dozens of illegal vapes hidden among refuse during unannounced raids. The Department of Health has committed an additional £10 million to boost enforcement, including the recruitment of 80 new apprentice officers.
A UK-wide ban on the sale and possession of single-use vapes will take effect 1 June 2025. First-time offenders will face £200 fines, while repeat violations could result in unlimited fines or up to two years in prison.
Paul Leighton warned the trade remains widespread: “It’s a constant battle. There are still millions of illegal products in circulation.”