British Retail Store Shut Down for Selling Illegal and Counterfeit Products

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai

Mar.05.2024

British Retail Store Shut Down for Selling Illegal and Counterfeit Products

Illegal and counterfeit cigarette sales lead to closure of a retailer in Basingstoke, UK, prompting crackdown on illegal activities.

According to recent reports from the media, a retail store in Bingley, England has been shut down for selling illegal and counterfeit cigarettes and e-cigarette products.

It is understood that this store was found to be engaged in illegal activities after consecutive investigations by the local tax department and police station. Selling counterfeit and illegal products as a store will severely impact public health and violate laws and regulations.

The seized items included 84 oversized e-cigarettes that did not meet safety standards, 174 e-liquid cartridges exceeding the legal limit of 2 milliliters, and 16 e-cigarettes that violated registered trademarks. Despite being warned about criminal activity in the store, trade standards officials returned to the shop in February 2024 and discovered 31 more e-cigarettes hidden in a modified concealed compartment under the store counter.

In addition, the relevant authorities have made arrangements to address the issues at the store, while also warning other businesses to conduct serious reviews of their product sources and legality to avoid similar problems.

This incident serves as a warning to all businesses that any illegal sales activities will be severely punished by the law. It also reflects that relevant authorities will take stricter measures in cracking down on and preventing counterfeit activities.

References:

[1] Billingham shop shut down for selling illicit vapes and cigs

Also Read:

[1] Calderdale Council Partners with SUEZ UK to Enhance Safe Disposal of Disposables

[2] Closure of Station Express in Teesside due to Illicit Vaping

[3] Illegal and Counterfeit Tobacco Products Seized in Peterborough Raid

[4] 2023 Police Raid Reveals Illegal E-cigarette Trade in Birmingham

#Europe #Law enforcement #Legislation #E-cigarettes #Open system e-cigarettes #Products #Regulation #England #E-cigarette retail stores #Illegal e-cigarettes #Retail store #Counterfeit cigarettes #Product

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

B.C. Plans World’s First E-Cigarette Public Health Accountability Law Aimed at “Deceptive Marketing”

British Columbia, Canada is advancing what it calls the world’s first e-cigarette Public Health Accountability law, granting the government authority to sue companies for “deceptive marketing.” The move puts public-health risks at the center of vaping industry compliance.

Oct.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Feature | Vape Politics in Russia: Local Governments Push Forward Despite Legislative Deadlock

As Russia’s federal vape policy stalls, regional governors are racing to implement local bans—now with the backing of President Vladimir Putin. The divide between swift local action and delayed national legislation is fueling debate over health, regulation, and the country’s broader approach to nicotine control.

Oct.28

Maldives Implements World's First Generational Prohibition on Tobacco, Banning Sales and Smoking for Those Born After 2007

The Maldives has implemented a generational tobacco ban, effective November 1, 2025, making it the only country to permanently prohibit anyone born on or after January 1, 2007 from buying or using tobacco. Initiated by President Mohamed Muizzu, the policy aims to create a tobacco-free generation and includes a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes, with fines up to 50,000 rufiyaa (US$3,200) for violations.

Nov.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai

PMI Compares Smoke-Free Policies in Three Countries: Japan and New Zealand Lead Tobacco Control, While Thailand’s Ban Stalls Harm Reduction

PMI Malaysia says Japan and New Zealand’s regulated smoke-free alternatives have hastened smoking declines, whereas Thailand’s post-2014 ban drives smokers to cigarettes or the black market—evidence, PMI argues, that pairing regulated alternatives with traditional controls could improve public health faster.