Kent seizes nearly 400,000 illegal vapes in three years, most intercepted at Dover Port

Since 2021, Kent County in the UK has seized nearly 400,000 illegal vapes, most of which were intercepted at Dover Port, the busiest ferry port in Europe.

According to a report from BBC on September 18, the latest data shows a sharp increase in the number of illegal vapes seized in Kent over the past three years. Since 2021, the county has confiscated nearly 400,000 illegal vapes, with the majority being seized at Dover Port.

This new data comes as the UK government plans to implement a ban on disposable vapes. The vaping industry believes that any ban will lead to an increase in illegal imports and sales.

Retailer Vape Club, based on data obtained through freedom of information legislation, indicates that the number of illegal products intercepted nationwide in the first four months of 2023 was seven times that of the entire year of 2021.

The retailer stated that since 2021, Kent has ranked among the top five regions in the UK for seizures, confiscating 382,573 vapes, making the county a "hub for counterfeit vape imports." Between 2017 and 2023, authorities seized one illegal vape every minute from sea and airport locations, while the seizure rate in areas without ports was five times lower.

In July of this year, Kent County Council members voted to ban the use of disposable vapes due to environmental pollution and their appeal to children.

John Dunne, the CEO of the UK Vaping Industry Association, warned against a comprehensive ban on regulated disposable vapes. He added, "A large influx of illegal, untested, and potentially deadly black market products will replace them, which is not in anyone's interest."