Illegal E-cigarette Seizures Surge in Liverpool, UK, Up 98% Year-on-year To 40,000 in 2024

Illegal e-cigarette seizures surge in Liverpool, UK, up 98% year-on-year to 40,000 in 2024

In 2024, the number of illegal e-cigarettes seized in Liverpool, UK, surged 98% year-on-year, resulting in dozens of stores being closed for more than seven years; Liverpool City Council seized more than 600,000 pounds worth of illegal e-cigarettes and e-liquids in 14 months and closed 35 stores.

According to Liverpoolecho on December 26, in 2024, dozens of stores in Liverpool, UK were closed for illegal sales of e-cigarettes, with a total closure time of more than seven years.

A new study by Totally Wicked e-cigarette company shows that between January and October 2024, Liverpool seized a total of 38,927 illegal e-cigarettes, an increase of 98.37% from 19,623 in 2023. A spokesperson for the company said this was the result of a series of trading standards actions by Liverpool City Council. In the North West, the number of illegal e-cigarettes seized overall decreased, with 519,292 seized in 2023 and 310,079 seized between January and October 2024. Nationally, enforcement resulted in 2.5 million illegal e-cigarettes being seized in 2023 and 1.5 million in 2024.

In October, council officers seized 4,672 illegal e-cigarettes worth £50,000 from a shop in Lodge Lane, the largest seizure ever carried out by a local authority.

Between October 2023 and December 2024, Liverpool City Council seized 46,188 e-cigarettes and 13,950 bottles of e-cigarette liquid with a total value of £637,956. The council also issued closure notices to 35 shops.

According to the definition of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the capacity of e-cigarettes must not exceed 2 ml and the maximum nicotine concentration must not exceed 20 mg. Ingredients such as coloring, caffeine and taurine are prohibited in e-cigarette products. The number of puffs of disposable e-cigarettes is limited to 600. The packaging must be child-resistant and properly labeled.

From October 2023 to November 2024, a total of 35 stores in different cities were closed for illegally selling e-cigarettes.

Totally Wicked CEO and Chairman of the Independent British Vaping Trade Association (IBVTA) said,

"Some dealers and retailers either don't know or choose not to follow the rules. We welcome any action to crack down on illegal e-cigarette products because it helps protect consumers and ensures that only compliant products are available on the market. Retailers must purchase e-cigarettes from trusted, regulated dealers to ensure that the products they sell are safe."