{"id":29139,"date":"2026-11-12T09:35:18","date_gmt":"2026-11-12T09:35:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\/vaped\/?p=29139"},"modified":"2026-11-12T09:35:19","modified_gmt":"2026-11-12T09:35:19","slug":"how-to-spot-illicit-vapes-now-duty-stamps-are-here","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\/vaped\/how-to-spot-illicit-vapes-now-duty-stamps-are-here\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Spot Illicit Vapes Now Duty Stamps Are Here"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vaping Duty Stamps have been appearing on packaging since 1 October, and if you&#8217;ve picked up a vape recently you may have spotted one. A small Union Jack-patterned label, placed on the box. It&#8217;s tempting to think that&#8217;s the whole story, stamp means legit, no stamp means it\u2019s dodgy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s not quite that simple, and it&#8217;s worth getting right, because for the next few months the answer is more complicated than it sounds. Some perfectly legal vapes won&#8217;t have a stamp yet, and a stamp on its own can&#8217;t tell you everything.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"background-color:#f5f3ea\" class=\"wp-block-list has-background\">\n<li>Duty stamps have been appearing on retail packaging since 1 October 2026, but an unstamped vape isn&#8217;t automatically illegal until 31 March 2027<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From 1 April 2027, every vaping product sold in the UK has to carry a valid stamp<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can&#8217;t scan stamps yet, so treat the stamp as one clue rather than proof<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The most reliable check right now is whether the product is on the MHRA&#8217;s list of notified vapes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Illegal vapes tend to break other rules too, like tank size, nicotine strength and labelling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you think you&#8217;ve been sold an illicit product, don&#8217;t use it, and report it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where we are with stamps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vaping Products Duty is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/new-vaping-products-duty-comes-into-effect\">\u00a32.20 per 10ml of liquid<\/a>, according to HMRC, and the stamp is how it&#8217;s tracked. If you want the full background, we&#8217;ve covered it in our guide to what VPD is and how HMRC enforces it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What matters for you is the timeline, because it changes what a missing stamp means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table comparison-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Date<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What happens<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1 October 2026<\/td><td>Stamps start appearing on retail packaging. Stock made before this date can still be sold without one<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>30 November 2026<\/td><td>Last day to buy the first, transitional stamps<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>31 December 2026<\/td><td>Transitional stamps (no digital element) can be used up to this date<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1 January 2027<\/td><td>Only digital stamps can be put on products<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>31 March 2027<\/td><td>Last day unstamped, pre-1-October stock can be sold<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1 April 2027<\/td><td>Every vaping product sold in the UK must carry a valid stamp<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These dates come from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/how-vaping-duty-stamps-work\">HMRC&#8217;s guidance on how stamps work<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/new-vaping-products-duty-comes-into-effect\">GOV.UK announcement<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The part that surprises people is the grace period. Right now, a vape with no stamp can be perfectly legal, because it was made before 1 October. That includes some of the stock we sell. So don&#8217;t treat a missing stamp as proof of anything, not yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What a stamp is, and what it can&#8217;t tell you yet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">HMRC describes them as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/new-vaping-products-duty-comes-into-effect\">red tamper-evident rectangular stamps<\/a>. Each is 18mm wide by 42mm long, with multiple physical security features built in to help identify genuine products. The colour doesn&#8217;t mean anything about the product itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are a couple of rules about where they go. A stamp has to be on the outermost retail packaging, and it has to be placed so the packaging can&#8217;t be opened without damaging either the packaging or the stamp. So a stamp that looks pristine on a box that&#8217;s clearly been opened and resealed is worth a second look.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\/vaped\/app\/uploads\/2026\/11\/vape-duty-stamps.jpg\" alt=\"vape duty stamps\" class=\"wp-image-29152\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\/vaped\/app\/uploads\/2026\/11\/vape-duty-stamps.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\/vaped\/app\/uploads\/2026\/11\/vape-duty-stamps-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\/vaped\/app\/uploads\/2026\/11\/vape-duty-stamps-75x75.jpg 75w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s the catch. Right now, you can&#8217;t actually check a stamp. The transitional stamps are physical only and aren&#8217;t scanned. Digital stamps, which carry a scannable code, are mandatory on new products from 1 January 2027, and HMRC says that in future &#8220;retailers and customers will be able to scan digital stamps&#8221; to verify them. There&#8217;s no firm date for that yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So for now, think of a stamp as a good sign, not a guarantee. That&#8217;s why the checks below matter more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Here&#8217;s how you should check for legitimate vapes:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Run through these in order. None of them need any special equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check the MHRA list. This is the single most reliable test at the moment, and we&#8217;ve explained how below. The MHRA says products <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/advice-for-consumers\">aren&#8217;t compliant for supply until the notification has been published<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Look for the stamp, and where it sits. It should be on the outer packaging and show damage if the box has been opened. Its absence isn&#8217;t damning before 1 April 2027, but its presence is reassuring.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check the tank or pod size. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/e-cigarettes-regulations-for-consumer-products\">The legal limit is a 2ml tank<\/a>, so anything bigger than that isn&#8217;t compliant, whatever the box says about puffs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check the bottle size and strength. Nicotine e-liquid can only be sold in refill containers of up to 10ml, and strength is capped at 20mg\/ml.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Look at the packaging. It should be child-resistant and tamper evident, and carry the required nicotine warning and ingredients. Blurry printing, spelling mistakes or labelling in another language are all warning signs.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Think about where you&#8217;re buying. An established shop or website with a real returns policy and customer service is a very different proposition from an anonymous stall or an unmarked online listing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Treat price as a weak signal. More on that below.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to check the MHRA list<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s easier than it sounds. Here&#8217;s how.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"background-color:#f5f3ea\" class=\"wp-block-list has-background\">\n<li>Go to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/advice-for-consumers\">MHRA advice for consumers page<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select the &#8220;ECIG&#8221; tile to reach the list of notified products.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Search by the brand name, the product type or the ECID (the product&#8217;s notification number).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the product isn&#8217;t on there, it shouldn&#8217;t be on sale. The MHRA&#8217;s advice is to only buy products that appear on its list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The list covers products published since 1 January 2021, and older and withdrawn products are listed separately. If you bought something that isn&#8217;t listed and can&#8217;t take it back, the MHRA says to contact your local Trading Standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can run this check on any product, including ours. We&#8217;d rather you did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What changes on 1 April 2027<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From 1 April 2027, the picture gets a lot simpler. According to GOV.UK, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/new-vaping-products-duty-comes-into-effect\">every vaping product sold in the UK must carry a valid stamp<\/a>, and consumers &#8220;should only buy duty-stamped vaping products&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At that point, no stamp is a clear red flag on its own, with no other checks needed. The checks above still matter, because a stamp doesn&#8217;t tell you a product meets the rules on tank size, strength or labelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What about cheap prices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cheap doesn&#8217;t automatically mean dodgy. Plenty of legitimate retailers hold prices for good reasons. We&#8217;ve done it ourselves, with stock made before the tax applied, and we&#8217;ve explained how in our piece on how much e-liquid prices will rise. That stock is still legal to sell without a stamp until 31 March 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But when duty makes legitimate products dearer, there&#8217;s more room for an illegitimate one to undercut them. So if a price looks far too good, with no sale, no bulk deal and no clear reason, check it against the list above before you buy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\/vaped\/app\/uploads\/2026\/11\/lower-prices.jpg\" alt=\"lower prices\" class=\"wp-image-29153\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\/vaped\/app\/uploads\/2026\/11\/lower-prices.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\/vaped\/app\/uploads\/2026\/11\/lower-prices-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\/vaped\/app\/uploads\/2026\/11\/lower-prices-75x75.jpg 75w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s also worth remembering what&#8217;s at stake. According to the NHS, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/better-health\/quit-smoking\/ready-to-quit-smoking\/vaping-to-quit-smoking\/vaping-myths-and-the-facts\/\">UK vapes are tightly regulated and must be notified to the MHRA<\/a> with their ingredients listed, and it advises buying from a reputable supplier. Illicit products skip those checks, so there&#8217;s no guarantee what&#8217;s in them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to report an illicit product<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you think you&#8217;ve been sold an illicit vape, don&#8217;t use it. Then you have a few options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Trading Standards: report it through the Citizens Advice consumer service, either online or on 0808 223 1133, as set out in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tradingstandards.uk\/media\/3179067\/how-to-report-guide.pdf\">Trading Standards guide<\/a>. It&#8217;s honest about the fact that teams are under-resourced, so you may not hear back, but your report can still be used as evidence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>HMRC: the GOV.UK announcement says anyone who suspects a vaping product is illicit can report it through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/report-tax-fraud\">report tax fraud page<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The MHRA: if you have a side effect or safety concern, report it to the Yellow Card scheme, as described on its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/advice-for-consumers\">consumer page<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The police: for a shop you think is repeatedly breaking the rules, you can call 101<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Enforcement is being backed by money, too. The government says it&#8217;s investing \u00a330 million a year until 2028-29 in Trading Standards, Border Force and HMRC to tackle illicit and underage sales of tobacco and vapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-1&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-1\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\"><strong>Does a missing duty stamp mean a vape is illegal?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-1\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not until 1 April 2027. Stock made before 1 October can legally be sold without a stamp until 31 March 2027. After that, a missing stamp means the product can&#8217;t be sold.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-2&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-2\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\"><strong>Can I scan a duty stamp to check it?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-2\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not yet. HMRC says retailers and customers will be able to scan digital stamps in future, but the transitional stamps are physical only and can&#8217;t be scanned.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-3&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-3\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\"><strong>What&#8217;s the most reliable way to check a vape is genuine?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-3\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check it against the MHRA&#8217;s list of notified products. The MHRA says products aren&#8217;t compliant for supply until their notification is published.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-4&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-4\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\"><strong>What&#8217;s the legal limit on tank size and nicotine strength?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-4\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 2ml maximum tank, a 10ml maximum refill container for nicotine e-liquid, and 20mg\/ml maximum strength, according to GOV.UK.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-5&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-5-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-5\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\"><strong>Are illicit vapes always cheaper?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-5\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-5-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Often, but not reliably. Use price alongside the other checks, not instead of them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-6&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-6-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-6\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\"><strong>Where do I report an illegal vape?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-6\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-6-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service (0808 223 1133), or to HMRC through the GOV.UK report tax fraud page. Report side effects to the MHRA&#8217;s Yellow Card scheme.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-7&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-7-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-7\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\"><strong>Is vaping safe?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-7\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-7-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The NHS says vaping isn&#8217;t risk free but is less harmful than smoking. It&#8217;s for adult smokers who want to quit, and non-smokers and under 18s should not vape.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/new-vaping-products-duty-comes-into-effect\">GOV.UK: New Vaping Products Duty comes into effect<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/how-vaping-duty-stamps-work\">HMRC: How vaping duty stamps work<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/advice-for-consumers\">MHRA: Advice for consumers on e-cigarettes<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/e-cigarettes-regulations-for-consumer-products\">GOV.UK: E-cigarettes, regulations for consumer products<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tradingstandards.uk\/media\/3179067\/how-to-report-guide.pdf\">Trading Standards: How to report guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/report-tax-fraud\">GOV.UK: Report tax fraud<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/better-health\/quit-smoking\/ready-to-quit-smoking\/vaping-to-quit-smoking\/vaping-myths-and-the-facts\/\">NHS Better Health: Vaping myths and the facts<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Vaping Duty Stamps have been appearing on packaging since 1 October, and if you&#8217;ve picked up a vape recently you may have spotted one. A small Union Jack-patterned label, placed on the box. It&#8217;s tempting to think that&#8217;s the whole story, stamp means legit, no stamp means it\u2019s dodgy. It&#8217;s not quite that simple, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":29151,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1600],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-29139","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-vpd","entry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How To Spot Illicit Vapes Now Duty Stamps Are Here - Vaped<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Duty stamps are on shelves, but an unstamped vape isn\u2019t always illegal yet. 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Here\u2019s how to spot an illicit vape, with a simple checklist.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\/vaped\/how-to-spot-illicit-vapes-now-duty-stamps-are-here\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Vaped\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/totallywickeduk\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-11-12T09:35:18+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-11-12T09:35:19+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\/vaped\/app\/uploads\/2026\/11\/spot-illicit-vapes.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"930\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jack Howarth\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@totallywickeduk\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@totallywickeduk\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Jack Howarth\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\\\/vaped\\\/how-to-spot-illicit-vapes-now-duty-stamps-are-here\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\\\/vaped\\\/how-to-spot-illicit-vapes-now-duty-stamps-are-here\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Jack Howarth\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\\\/vaped\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/8f19ee6152141c77d41cf0237f60aa29\"},\"headline\":\"How To Spot Illicit Vapes Now Duty Stamps Are Here\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-11-12T09:35:18+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-11-12T09:35:19+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\\\/vaped\\\/how-to-spot-illicit-vapes-now-duty-stamps-are-here\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1644,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\\\/vaped\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\\\/vaped\\\/how-to-spot-illicit-vapes-now-duty-stamps-are-here\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\\\/vaped\\\/app\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/11\\\/spot-illicit-vapes.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"VPD\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\\\/vaped\\\/how-to-spot-illicit-vapes-now-duty-stamps-are-here\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\\\/vaped\\\/how-to-spot-illicit-vapes-now-duty-stamps-are-here\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\\\/vaped\\\/how-to-spot-illicit-vapes-now-duty-stamps-are-here\\\/\",\"name\":\"How To Spot Illicit Vapes Now Duty Stamps Are Here - Vaped\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\\\/vaped\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\\\/vaped\\\/how-to-spot-illicit-vapes-now-duty-stamps-are-here\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\\\/vaped\\\/how-to-spot-illicit-vapes-now-duty-stamps-are-here\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk\\\/vaped\\\/app\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/11\\\/spot-illicit-vapes.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-11-12T09:35:18+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-11-12T09:35:19+00:00\",\"description\":\"Duty stamps are on shelves, but an unstamped vape isn\u2019t always illegal yet. 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