How to Spot an Illicit Vaping Device

As the vaping landscape swiftly transforms, the surge of fake disposables and other vaping commodities has emerged as a major issue.

These counterfeit vaping apparatus and e-liquids present grave health hazards and are linked to illicit activities.

This post is designed to assist you in distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit vaping goods, ensuring that your purchases, whether made online or in physical stores, are authentic.

The demand for disposable vapes in the UK saw a significant upswing in 2023. As their popularity grows, so does the influx of counterfeit devices in the market.

In the latter half of 2022 alone, authorities in the Northeast of England confiscated 1.4 tonnes of illegal disposable vapes.

The initial step towards verifying the authenticity of your vaping products is to comprehend that regulations and standards can differ substantially across different countries.

For instance, the nicotine warning labels on vapes in the USA might look different from those in the UK.

This variation can make it challenging to identify counterfeit products, as what might be considered ‘fake’ in one country could be standard in another.

When it comes to e-liquids, one of the key identification methods for illegal products is checking the packaging and labelling.

Genuine e-liquids should have clear, professionally printed labels with no spelling or grammatical errors.

They should also display relevant health warnings, list the ingredients, and provide information about the manufacturer or distributor.

Counterfeit disposables, on the other hand, often have poor-quality packaging and may lack essential information such as the batch number or expiry date.

They may also be sold in flavours that are not produced by the genuine licenced manufacturer.

Vape mods and tanks present their own challenges…authentic mods and tanks typically have a high build quality, with no loose parts or uneven seams.

They should also have clear branding and may come with a verification code or hologram that can be checked on the manufacturer’s website.

However, it’s important to remember that counterfeiters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and fake products can sometimes appear almost identical to the real thing.

Therefore, one of the most effective ways to ensure you’re buying genuine vaping products is to purchase from reputable sources.

Avoid buying from unofficial websites, social media platforms, or other unverified sellers, as these are often the main channels for counterfeit goods.

In conclusion, staying vigilant when buying vaping products is crucial in the current climate.

By understanding the key identification methods for illegal e-liquids, disposables, vape mods, and tanks, and by being aware of the differences in product regulations between countries, you can help ensure that you are buying safe, genuine products.

Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always prioritise your health and safety over a bargain.

Identifying Counterfeit Vaping Products

Identifying fake vapes involves a discerning eye. Here are some key identification methods:

1. Packaging and Branding: Check the packaging for any signs of tampering or damage.

The lettering should be clear, not blurred, without any bleed over the images and colours should be vivid.

All legitimate disposable vape devices will be sold to you in a box, with a sealed packet inside containing the device, and an advice leaflet.

• Price: Your first indicator is the price, counterfeit products often come at a fraction of the price of the genuine product.

• Quality of Materials: Check the quality of the materials used in the vape device.

Fake vapes can be notoriously similar in appearance to the real deal, however, a lower-grade build, discomforting heat, and even potential burns are red flags.

• Authenticity Codes: The name brand top-quality electronic cigarettes know that their products are being counterfeited.

Therefore, they often include authenticity codes that you can check on their official website.