According to a survey in the UK, more than 60% of vape users suspect that they have bought fakes, only 20% verify the authenticity, and more than half of retailers sell illegal products, retailers worry that a one-time vape ban or entice consumers to turn to illegal products.
Key points:
1. A UK survey shows that a quarter of adults think they have bought counterfeit vapes, 67% of users suspect buying fakes, 56% are concerned about material safety, and a third of users report adverse side effects.
2. Only 20% of vape users will verify the authenticity of the product, and 25% have knowingly purchased unbranded counterfeit products.
3. About half of retailers in the UK sell illegal vapes, and a ban on single-use vapes could tempt consumers to switch to illegal products.
UK vape market survey: more than 60% of vaping users suspected of buying fake products
According to the Dailystar reported on March 10, a recent survey in the United Kingdom showed that a quarter of adults believe they have been tricked into buying counterfeit electronic cigarette products, and many believe that “most” stores are selling inferior products.
A recent survey of 500 vape users found that 67% suspected they had bought a fake, often because of poor packaging or low prices. Half of the respondents also pointed to taste and smell as a marker for identifying counterfeit products.
Only 20% of vape users always verify the authenticity of the product before using it, and 25% admit to having knowingly purchased an unbranded vape product that may be counterfeit.
Despite this, 56% of vape users are concerned about the safety of the materials used. The report notes that many people are concerned that counterfeit vapes are linked to a range of health problems.
A third of those who said they had used illegal products reported adverse side effects. Including sore throat (33 percent), mouth or throat irritation (30 percent), and fatigue or weakness (24 percent).
Harris Tanvir, founder of the UK Ecig Store, which commissioned the research, said: “We estimate that more than half of the 200 retailers in the UK are selling illegal vape products, which is worrying consumers.
He believes the one-off vape ban imposed by the UK government in June was well-intentioned, but it could drive more people to buy unregulated products.
- “With seizures of illegal vapes already at record levels, ensuring access to compliant products will be critical.”
