2025 is set to be a big year for the tightening of vape regulations. Some trade bodies and groups have warned these changes will “supercharge the black market” and serve as a “gift to the illegal market”.
With that in mind, online vape store Vape Globe has identified tell-tale signs of counterfeit vapes.
Why is it important for retailers to stay vigilant about fakes?
Any counterfeit products that are currently in circulation have not been regulated by any UK registered standard boards or agencies, meaning there is “no guarantee how safe, or harmful this product is, where it was made, or what’s actually inside,” said Markus Lindblad, head of communications at Vape Globe.
No nicotine health warning (unless nicotine-free)
Just like cigarettes, legal vapes will always display health warning information on the packaging to ensure that products are used safely. If this is missing, this is a clear sign the vaping company does not follow the necessary regulations, and therefore, may be illegal. It should contain a series of nicotine warnings, safety messages and hazard statements, as well as a full ingredients list in descending order with all allergens highlighted. There should also be a series of symbols indicating best practices and safe disposal. If any of this information is missing or seems incorrect, do not trust it and walk away.
High nicotine levels and strength
The first and easiest thing to do is to check the nicotine strength. This is clearly displayed on all vape labels, just like a bottle of beer. If the product says anything over 2% it is illegal and therefore potentially harmful too. Also, check the size of the vape, which should be clearly labelled as 10ml.
Contains caffeine
There are certain ingredients that legal vapes will never contain. This includes colourings, taurine and caffeine. You can easily check this information on the ingredient list on the packaging. In the UK vapes can only contain caffeine if they’re nicotine free.
Oddly coloured vape liquid
Look out for oddly coloured e-liquid – this can apply to pods too but is the best way to tell if an open-tank device may be hiding something sinister. Normal e-liquids should only ever be clear to slightly yellow/orange in colour, nothing else. THC e-liquids however tend to be much darker in colour, and if you notice this or any other odd or dark colouration to the juice you are about to vape – don’t do it.
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