One of the biggest challenges the vape industry faces is the rise of counterfeit devices. Over 2 million fake vapes have been seized in the UK since 2020, with many more making their way to unlicensed stores and unregulated vape sellers. Along with the criminal aspect of selling fake vapes, there are also significant health risks posed by these devices, but how can you tell if a vape is real?
In this guide, we’re going to take a look at the rise of fake vapes, how to tell if a device is real and what your options are if you think you’ve been sold an illegal disposable vape.
Are Fake Vapes Really Such A Big Deal?
Yes. It’s predicted that a third of all vapes sold in the UK don’t comply with TPD regulations;
“Devices must deliver a consistent dose of nicotine per puff. The capacity of tanks, pods and cartridges must be no more than 2ml. E liquids containing nicotine must be sold in volumes of 10ml or less. The nicotine strengths of e-liquids must not exceed 20mg/ml.”
These unregulated vapes are most commonly found in smaller shops or sold over the internet via social media sites or by vape retailers posing as the real deal. They have not gone through any safety checks and often emulate some of the leading disposable brands, such as Elf Bar or Lost Mary, giving vapers a false sense of confidence when they’re purchasing.
How To Check If A Vape Is Real
It’s not always obvious that a vape is fake at first glance. Unlike fake watches emblazoned with ’Rulex’, counterfeit vapes have become incredibly sophisticated in their design and packaging. Some fake SKE Crystal Bars were only spotted due to a slight curve on the bottom of the device, while fake Elf Bars have been uncovered only due to discrepancies with the font used on the packaging.
If you can’t tell if a vape is fake just by looking, it’s important to know what to check for on the packaging. As a rule, we recommend only purchasing disposable vapes sold in a branded box with the device itself sealed in a packet inside. An advice leaflet should be contained within the box.
The packaging should also display the following;
● Nicotine health warning
● Nicotine content (no higher than 20mg/2%)
● Nicotine dose per puff
● Puff count (under 600 puffs, unless a TPD-compliant refillable pod device)
● Ingredient list
● Batch number
● Expiry date
● E-liquid capacity (no higher than 2ml)
● Hazard statements
● ECID number*
*The ECID number can checked on the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) website to see if the product is approved for sale in the UK.
Some disposable vape brands print a code on the packaging, which can be checked on their website to determine authenticity.
Are ‘Big Puff’ Devices Illegal?
As the vaping industry continues to evolve, so do the types of devices that are legal to buy. As a way to get around the capacity restrictions placed on vapes by the TPD, many leading brands have launched their ‘big puff’ devices to offer more than 600 puffs. The IVG 2400, Lost Mary 6000, and the Elf Bar AF5000 are all examples of legal devices that offer longer vaping experiences thanks to the innovative refillable pod technology employed by each one. By restricting the amount of liquid inside the e-liquid tank at one time, these devices still meet all legal requirements in regard to nicotine strength.
The technology used by these brands ensures these devices meet all TPD regulations regarding capacity and puff count. However, there are illegal devices that have high puff counts in a single e-liquid tank, therefore increasing the nicotine strength inside the individual device.
What Are The Risks Involved With Fake Vapes?
For some, the appeal of fake vapes lies in the high nicotine content and the (usually) low prices, but it’s absolutely not worth the risk. The key issue with counterfeit vapes is that they haven’t gone through any safety tests, so there’s no real guarantee about what you’re actually inhaling. A BBC study of fake vapes seized in a school showed that they contained traces of chromium, nickel and lead - which can impact the central nervous system and impair a child's brain development. Some fake devices also contained ten times the legal limit of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, more than is found in cigarette smoke.
I Think I’ve Been Sold A Fake Vape…
If you have purchased a fake vape, you can legally request a refund - however, this may be tricky if you’ve unwisely purchased from an unregulated seller! You should also report the seller to Trading Standards as soon as possible; this may help soften the blow if you can’t get your money back from an illegal retailer. If you spot something suspicious with the packaging or your vape is already out of its sealed packaging, we recommend taking it back to the place of purchase or getting in touch with your online retailer.
The easiest way to avoid buying fake vapes is to only purchase from legitimate sellers such as Go Smoke Free. We only sell safe, genuine devices and safety is our number one concern which is why we have strict age verification checks. By dealing direct with trustworthy suppliers, we ensure that all vapes sold in our store are the real deal.
Fake Vapes: It’s Not Worth The Risk
We get it. If you’re offered them, the temptation to purchase cheap vapes is sometimes hard to ignore. They’re cheap! They’re stronger! They look just like your favourite device! The reality is that you’re risking your health every time you take a draw. With demand for counterfeit vapes growing, we expect to see safety standards drop even further, especially with a disposable vape ban on the horizon. The only way to help combat this and avoid dangerous vapes being sold to minors is to report any illegal sellers, and together, we can help make the vaping industry a safer, more reputable place.
At Go Smoke Free, we’re not just here to provide a huge range of disposable vapes from leading brands. We’re also here to help our customers navigate the vaping world and find the right legal products to suit their needs. From disposables to vape kits and e-liquids, enjoy great value deals and exceptional customer service when you buy online today.
