Let’s be real — the vape world’s booming, but with that comes a downside: counterfeit and illegal vapes are everywhere and easily accessible. Walk into the wrong corner shop or scroll the wrong Instagram page, and you might end up with something that looks legit but it is not
And when it comes to what you puff on and inhale into your lungs, guessing games aren’t a great idea.
So, how do you spot a fake vape, avoid getting ripped off, and make sure you’re not putting something dodgy into your body? Let’s break it down — plain and simple so you do get caught out
- If It’s Too Cheap To Be True… It Probably Is . Don’t take that risk
First clue? The price. If a disposable vape normally goes for £5.99–£7.99 and you’re being offered it for £3, alarm bells should start ringing.
Dodgy sellers will often sell fakes in bulk for very cheap (and for a reason). They want quick sales, fast turnover — and zero accountability if anything goes wrong.
You’re not getting a deal. You’re getting scammed.
- Look at the Puff Count — Is It Even Legal?
In the UK, disposable vapes are capped at 600 puffs. Anything claiming “1500 puffs” or “5000 puffs” is automatically illegal unless it’s a rechargeable vape kit like these that lets you refill or replace pods. – it has to get tested in UK labs and certified at the 600 level so there is no way it is legit
Some shops sell oversized disposables marked as “rechargeable” to dodge the law — don’t fall for it.
Tip: Check if the vape says 2ml e-liquid capacity. That’s the legal UK limit. If it doesn’t, it’s most likely illegal and you should avoid it.
- No MHRA Notification? No Sale
All legal vape products in the UK must be registered with the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) – the whole process takes 6 months and it costs thousands register the total number of flavours.
If a vape brand or device isn’t on their list, it hasn’t gone through proper safety checks. It could contain banned ingredients, contaminated liquids, or incorrect nicotine levels.
Buy from a trusted site like Thunder Vapes that clearly shows compliance and doesn’t cut corners.
- Packaging Looks Off? Trust Your Gut
Legal vapes in the UK have to include:
- A nicotine warning (“This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance”)
- Batch number and manufacturer info
- UK address or distributor details
- Age restriction icon (18+)
If you get a vape in a box that looks sketchy, has spelling mistakes, weird logos, or no English, just bin it. Don’t even try it “just to see”. Most of the counterfeit manufacturers cut corners so there will definitely be something that does not look right.
- No QR Code, Scratch-Off or Authentication Sticker? Red Flag.
Most big brands (like Elf Bar, Lost Mary, SKE) now include QR codes or security labels on the box. You can scan them or enter the code on the brand’s site to check if it’s authentic. – it will go directly to the manufacturers website.
No sticker? No scratch-off? The shopkeeper says “don’t worry, it’s legit”?
Walk away.
- Taste or Hit Feels Off? Trust Your Body
Counterfeit vapes often taste burnt, too sweet, chemically, or just wrong. You might notice:
- A harsh throat hit
- Weird aftertaste
- Leaking
- Overly strong nicotine buzz (illegal levels)
If it doesn’t feel like it usually does — stop using it immediately – throw it away and use a genuine and reputable retailer.
- Where You Buy It Matters More Than You Think
Yes, you can find vapes in market stalls, social media, WhatsApp groups — but should you?
Hell no.
Stick to:
- Trusted online vape retailers like Thunder Vapes
- Reputable convenience stores
- Vape shops with reviews and age verification
Final Thoughts
Look — vaping should be about harm reduction, switch from cigarettes not making things worse. The point is to get away from the dangers of smoking, not replace them with a different set of unknown risks.
So be smart. Stay sharp. And don’t get caught slipping with a fake vape in your hand.
If you ever have doubts, just ask a reputable retailer — and if they’re worth your money, they’ll give you a straight answer.
