The top three vape seizure locations in Scotland have been identified by online retailer Vape Club, which claims rogue retailers are taking advantage of a lack of consistent enforcement.
The highest number of illegal vapes seized in Scotland were reported in Renfrewshire Council (3,814), followed by Highland Council (3,480), and then the City of Edinburgh Council (2,800), according to Vape Club’s 2025 Illegal Vaping Report.
In 2024, 14,553 illegal vapes were seized in Scotland, up 7% on last year, according to the report, which was based on 108 responses to Freedom Of Information requests from local authorities across the UK.
However, local authorities are failing to deter illegal vape retailers, stated the report.
Despite there being 56 identified cases of illegal vaping products stocked or sold in Scotland in 2024, only 21 fines or penalties were issued, totalling just £850, while three premises were ordered to be closed in South Lanarkshire.
The figures are in stark contrast to Lincolnshire Council, which was hailed by Vape Club as the top council cracking down on illegal vapes. It recorded 52 identified illegal vape sales, issued 40 fines and issued closure orders to 50 retailers due to illegal vape operations.
Across the UK, the report found there were 1,435 identified cases of businesses or individuals being in possession of, stocking, or selling illegal vaping products in 2024. There were an average of four cases being identified each day across the year, but only 10% were issued a fine or penalty, claimed Vape Club.
In 2024, 108 retailers were given premises closure orders in relation to illegal vape operations – over double the number issued in 2023. “This progress indicates a shift in enforcement strategies, focused on preventing retailers making any profits if caught stocking or supplying illicit vapes,” claimed Vape Club. “Despite these measures, financial penalties saw a decline in 2024.”
A total of £48,062 worth of fines were issued for illegal vape offenses, £20,000 lower than the previous year, found the report. “This calls into question the effectiveness of fines as a deterrent and the resources allocated to enforcing them,” said Vape Club. “To properly address the issue, stronger penalties and more consistent enforcement are needed to ensure that offenders face meaningful consequences.”
Dan Marchant, Director of Vape Club stated:
“The best deterrent for any crime is the likelihood of being caught and right now that is incredibly low, and rogue retailers are taking full advantage of this. We have to create an environment where there is much more chance of being caught.”
