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How to tell if cigarettes or vapes are illegal?
If you’ve come across cigarettes or vapes and you’re unsure whether they’re legal or how your child got hold of them here’s what to look for.
Illegal products are often cheaper, more dangerous, and easier for young people to access. Many are sold through social media, friends, local shops, or street sellers without proper checks.
Illegal Cigarettes - What to Look For
Cigarettes sold legally in the UK must follow very strict packaging rules. If your child has any of the following, they’re likely illegal:
Coloured or branded cigarette packs. All legal packs must be plain, olive green
Foreign writing on the packet. Health warnings must be in English
Odd pack sizes. Legal packs contain 20 cigarettes. Packs of 10, 19 or 21 are not legal
No health warning with a graphic image. All UK cigarette packs must have a large photo and message covering most of the pack
Very cheap cigarettes. Anything well under £10 for 20 could be illegal
- Sold Singly. Cigarettes outside of a packet sold singularly are illegal
Illegal Vapes - Signs to Look Out For
Vapes are much harder to spot. Many illegal ones look bright, colourful, and fun. But they can be high in nicotine and completely unregulated. Look out for:
- No manufacturer /importer details – legal vapes must show a UK or EU-based company name and address
- Strange or foreign packaging – warnings should say: “This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance” in plain black writing on a white background (front and back of the box)
- Very strong flavours or unusual branding – cartoon packaging, logos like “Rick & Morty” or “Minions” are a major red flag
- Refillable-looking pods on disposables – clip-in parts or rechargeability can be used to sneak around the 2ml legal liquid limit
- Very cheap price – anything sold for a few pounds or in “3 for £10” style deals is worth checking
- You can also scan the box: Some brands let you check authenticity via QR code. If the scan goes nowhere or looks suspicious, it may be a fake.
How Young People Access Illegal Products
Illegal cigarettes and vapes are often easier for children to get hold of than you might think. They’re widely available in places that look completely normal, and many young people don’t realise they’re buying something illegal.
Common ways children access illegal products:
Friends or older siblings
Many children don’t buy these products directly they get them through someone they know. In fact, 36% of pupils in Years 7 to 13 say they got their vapes from a friend, family member, or someone in their social circle.
Shops that don’t follow the rules
Some small shops, barbers or vape stores sell illegal products under the counter, especially if they think the buyer won’t report them. 26% of pupils in Years 7 to 13 said they got their vapes from a shop despite it being illegal to sell to under-18s.
Pubs and clubs:
Some adults still pass cigarettes or vapes to younger people in social settings, or they may be sold unofficially through contacts.
Social media platforms:
Sellers use apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and WhatsApp to advertise and arrange sales — often for delivery. These sellers typically avoid asking for ID and use emojis or slang to hide what they’re offering.
Markets and car boot sales:
Vapes and tobacco sold at stalls or from parked cars are rarely legal. They’re often cheap, poorly regulated, and hard to trace.
Why It Matters?
Illegal cigarettes and vapes are often:
Unregulated: they may contain high and dangerous levels of nicotine or banned ingredients
Easier to access: sellers often don’t check age or care who they’re selling to
Part of wider criminal activity: including counterfeiting, smuggling, and exploitation
What Can I Do If I’m Concerned?
Ask where your child got the product and who gave or sold it to them. Let them know you’re not angry, just concerned about what’s in it and who’s making money from it.
If you suspect a shop or seller is involved, you can report anonymously online via No Ifs. No Butts.
Support them to quit. If your child is already vaping or smoking, support is available via Help Me Quit.