Two illegal vapes were seized every minute in 2025, with 1.2 million illicit vapes confiscated from UK high streets, according to council data obtained via a freedom of information request by online retailer Vape Club.
Local authorities identified more than 14,000 cases of businesses in possession of, stocking or selling illegal vapes this year. Enforcement also captured 7.15 million illicit cigarettes, 256,648 illegal disposable vapes and nearly 10,000 nicotine pouches over the past 12 months.
More than half (54%) of UK vapers believe they have been duped into buying an illegal vaping product, based on Vape Club’s 2025 survey of 2,000 vapers.
The 2025 consumer study found that a significant proportion of UK vapers have purchased suspected illegal products from local convenience stores (36%), followed closely by local vape shops (33%), and market stalls or street traders (26%), highlighting how easily these products are accessed through the minority of unscrupulous retail outlets.
The survey also recorded a significant proportion of respondents who had purchased suspected illegal products from local convenience stores (36%), local vape shops (33%) and market stalls or street traders (26%).
Changes announced in the Budget mean rogue traders selling illegal vapes could face £10,000 fines and potential prison sentences, as recommended in the Vape Retailer and Distributor Licensing framework to regulate the growing black market more effectively.
