The European Union is investigating Temu for potentially hosting illegal, counterfeit, and unsafe products on its platform, which could lead to significant fines if violations are confirmed, amid ongoing scrutiny of its compliance with the Digital Services Act.
Analysis by Inter Scientific has found that some vapes marketed as nicotine-free actually contain the addictive substance, with one containing just as much nicotine as full-strength e-cigarettes. The probe also identified dozens of vapes with tank sizes exceeding the legal limit, with one device recording levels more than 50% higher than the legal limit. More than 1.4 tonnes of illegal vapes were seized in the last six months of 2022 in the north-east of England alone. Health experts have expressed concern over children not being fully aware of the contents of e-cigarettes, with many begging teachers to let them vape at school.
Tests conducted by Inter Scientific on dozens of vape brands sold in shops across England and Wales showed that some high street vapes claiming to be nicotine-free actually contain the same level of addictive substances as full-strength e-cigarettes. The data showed that oversized and overstrength vapes are being sold unlawfully in shops. The government has launched an “illicit vapes enforcement squad” as part of a crackdown on the sale of e-cigarettes to under-18s. Despite concerns about teenagers taking up products, this week the government announced plans for 1 million smokers to swap cigarettes for vapes.