UK South East Seized 3.1M Illegal Vapes Since 2021 as Crackdown Intensifies

Key points

• FOI data shows 3.1 million vapes were seized from ports or shops across the UK South East between 2021 and 2025.
• Kent County Council (including its ports team) accounted for 3 million devices; Surrey seized 40,835 and Medway 32,806.
• 2025 saw 556,368 illegal vapes seized, up from 5,755 in 2021; the peak year was 2023 with 1,539,582 seizures across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
• The UK’s single-use vape ban took effect in June 2025, but authorities say disposables are still being found on sale.
• The industry is urging mandatory retailer/distributor licensing and tougher penalties; the government says it is investing £30 million in 2025/26 for enforcement agencies.

2Firsts, January 23, 2026

According to BBC South East, figures obtained via a freedom of information request show 3.1 million vapes were seized from ports or shops across the UK South East between 2021 and 2025. Kent County Council, including its ports team, detected 3 million devices. Surrey County Council seized 40,835 and Medway Council 32,806. Elsewhere in the region, Brighton & Hove found 28,473 vapes, West Sussex seized 24,102, and East Sussex 11,928.

In 2025, councils in the South East seized 556,368 illegal vaping products, up from 5,755 in 2021. The peak year for seizures came in 2023, when 1,539,582 were made across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

The report notes that from June 2025 it became illegal for businesses in the UK to sell, supply or possess single-use vapes for sale, a move aimed at protecting children’s health and the environment. Under the rules, only reusable devices can be legally sold, and they must have a rechargeable battery, a replaceable coil, and be refillable. Enforcement officers said single-use vape sales remain an issue despite the ban.

Retailers caught selling illegal vapes can face a £200 fine in the first instance, escalating to an unlimited fine and/or up to two years in prison for repeat offences.

The UK Vaping Industry Association said most vape shops operate within the law and are increasingly being undercut by illegal operators. Its director general, John Dunne, called for a mandatory licensing scheme for vape retailers and distributors, alongside tougher penalties and sustained, ring-fenced funding for Trading Standards.

The government said that in 2025/26 it is investing £30 million of new funding for enforcement agencies including Trading Standards, Border Force and HMRC to tackle the illicit and underage sale of tobacco and vapes, supporting implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. A government spokesperson said the Bill would give authorities stronger enforcement powers, including the ability to issue on-the-spot fines, and enable government to introduce a licensing scheme for retailers.

Image source: BBC