UK Tests Show Some Nicotine-Free E-Cigarettes Contain High Levels of Nicotine

Today, April 17, news from The Guardian reports that tests show some e-cigarettes claiming to be nicotine-free actually contain levels of addictive substances comparable to full-spectrum e-cigarettes.

Inter Scientific shared data with The Guardian—providing product analysis tests to check compliance with regulations—examining dozens of e-cigarette brands sold in stores across England and Wales.

Data indicates that oversized and high-strength e-cigarettes are being sold illegally in stores.

Laboratory analysis of 52 products purchased in the UK showed that 73% of e-cigarettes exceeded the legal capacity of 2 milliliters. Over 40% of the tested products were filled with 5 milliliters or more of liquid.

Analysis also revealed that eight devices claiming to be free of addictive substances did contain some, with many containing nearly 20 mg/mL of nicotine—this is the legal limit in the UK. One e-cigarette's content exceeded the legal limit by more than 50%.

Meanwhile, the government has established an illegal e-cigarette enforcement team as part of efforts to combat the sale of e-cigarettes to children under 18.

Concerns have long been raised about e-cigarettes targeting children, with the number of teenage e-cigarette users on the rise.

The latest survey by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) shows that in 2022, 7% of respondents aged 11-17 reported using e-cigarettes, up from 3.3% in 2021.

Despite concerns about teenagers using e-cigarette products, the government announced plans this week to help 1 million smokers switch from cigarettes to e-cigarettes. Under the new smoking cessation plan, nearly one-fifth of smokers in England will be provided with starter kits for e-cigarettes as part of the government's smoke-free initiative.

Pregnant women will also be offered up to £400 for smoking cessation costs, and consultations will be held on whether to mandate smoking cessation advice on cigarette packaging.

Current regulations state that e-cigarette tanks must not exceed 2 milliliters in capacity and nicotine concentration must not exceed 20 mg/mL. Regulators state that any e-cigarette exceeding these limits is illegal and should not be sold to the public.

Inter Scientific examined dozens of brands sold in stores in Newcastle, Birmingham, Hertfordshire, Staffordshire, Dudley, Liverpool, and Wales. This indicates that many are not complying with the rules.

Inter Scientific is working with Trading Standards to address the issue of illegal products flooding high street stores. In the last six months of 2022, over 1.4 tons of illegal e-cigarettes were seized in the northeast of England alone.

David Lawson, CEO of Inter Scientific and a member of the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Organization, stated: We have seen a significant increase in the number of illegal e-cigarette products seized and sent for analysis under trading standards. While these products do not pose an immediate health risk, they are circumventing UK regulations.

Their product testing indicates that Dr. Gorilla King Blackcurrant Grape Slush claims to be nicotine-free but actually contains 19.7 mg/mL of nicotine.

The nicotine content of the Vape With a Bang Havana Tobacco 6% disposable device is the highest at 29.35 mg/mL, far exceeding the legal limit.

The Guardian was unable to trace the suppliers of these e-cigarettes for comment.

E-cigarettes must display the manufacturer's details as well as a list of ingredients and relevant health warnings.

The e-cigarettes studied by Inter Scientific are not listed with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. They should be listed to record any hazards associated with them.

Data shows that the MHRA received 40 reports of adverse reactions related to e-cigarettes in 2022, up from 24 the previous year.

The government has allocated £3 million to combat the sale of illegal e-cigarettes. It hopes to conduct further test purchases and remove banned products from stores and borders. According to plans announced this week, the government will also call for evidence to identify opportunities to reduce the number of children accessing and using e-cigarettes.

John Herriman, CEO of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, stated that it continues to be concerned about the large number of illegal and non-compliant e-cigarettes available for sale and will urge manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers to take more action to ensure their products comply with all regulations.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: Selling e-cigarettes to children or in violation of our clear regulations is illegal. Just this week, we announced a new 'illegal e-cigarette enforcement team' that is supported by £3 million to take further action.

The team will have the authority to disrupt illegal supply, conduct test purchases and testing of products, and share knowledge and intelligence nationwide. We will not tolerate the sale of illegal products and will take necessary action to remove them from shelves and prevent them from crossing our borders.