The Truth About Illegal Vapes – And Why It Matters
As vaping becomes more popular, so does the risk of **illegal and counterfeit vape products** entering the UK market. At Vapour Central, we believe it’s vital to educate our customers on the dangers of buying from unregulated sources — and how to stay safe.
How to Spot a Fake Vape
Not all vape products are created equal. Here are common signs of illegal or fake vapes:
- No UK compliance symbols (like MHRA or CLP)
- More than 2ml e-liquid capacity in disposable vapes
- Nicotine strength above 20mg/ml (2%)
- No proper contact details or batch numbers
- Packaging that mimics well-known brands but feels “off”
If something feels too good to be true — especially with very cheap disposables or prefilled — it probably is.
Why Buying Illegal Vapes is Dangerous
Illegal vapes often bypass essential safety testing. That means:
- Unknown ingredients
- Overfilled tanks that leak or malfunction
- Higher health risks
- No manufacturer accountability
In short — your health is at risk. You could be inhaling harmful or banned chemicals without even knowing it.
What Trading Standards Are Doing
Across the UK, Trading Standards have been actively cracking down on shops selling illegal vapes. In Essex alone, thousands of illegal products have been seized in recent raids. Businesses caught selling these face fines, criminal charges, and licence revocation.
Our Commitment at Vapour Central
We only stock products that meet UK laws. That means:
- Registered with the MHRA
- Under the legal 2ml tank limit
- Correct nicotine strengths
- Full traceability from verified suppliers
When you buy from Vapour Central, you know your vape is safe, legal and tested.
Protecting the Vaping Community
We care about the future of vaping. Illegal sellers not only put individuals at risk — they also damage the reputation of our entire industry and endanger the **Smoke Free 2030 goal**.
Report Suspicious Sellers
If you suspect someone is selling non-compliant vapes, report it to your local Trading Standards team or Citizens Advice. Together, we can keep vaping safe and sustainable.
Shop Safe – Shop Local
Visit one of our trusted vape stores in Leigh, Westcliff or Rayleigh. Get peace of mind, expert advice and genuine products – every time.
Questions? Pop in-store or contact us