Vaping's IP War: SKE Fights Back Against a Flood of Dangerous Fakes

By Kenneth Walker

MANCHESTER, England – February 27, 2026 – Vaping company SKE E-CIGS UK LTD has declared a full-scale war on the burgeoning black market of counterfeit vaping products, announcing a zero-tolerance policy against intellectual property infringement and unauthorized goods that it says pose a direct threat to consumer safety.

In a firm statement, the Manchester-based company confirmed it has identified a significant presence of imitation products unlawfully using the SKE brand name, trademarks, and distinctive product designs. SKE has initiated a multi-pronged strategy encompassing market surveillance, legal action, and enhanced supply chain controls to combat the issue, which it describes as a “long-term governance commitment.”

“Products manufactured or sold without SKE's authorization are not genuine SKE products,” the company stated, emphasizing that protecting consumer safety and market integrity are its fundamental responsibilities. The move highlights a critical challenge not just for SKE, but for the entire vaping industry, which is grappling with a tidal wave of illicit and unregulated devices flooding markets across the United Kingdom.

The Rising Tide of Illicit Vapes

The problem of counterfeit vapes has escalated dramatically, moving from a niche concern to a mainstream public safety issue. Since the beginning of 2020, over 2.5 million counterfeit vaping devices have been seized by authorities across the UK. In one notable operation in December 2022, Kent Trading Standards impounded over 300,000 fake vapes at the Channel ports, a stark indicator of the scale of importation.

Research from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) suggests the problem is deeply embedded in the retail landscape, with findings indicating that as many as one-third of vape products sold in the UK may not comply with regulatory standards. This includes devices that illegally exceed the 2ml limit for e-liquid volume or the 20mg/ml nicotine concentration cap stipulated by the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). The issue is so widespread that some estimates suggest more than half of the UK's top 200 retailers may be selling illicit vape products, knowingly or not.

The economic consequences are substantial. While figures specific to the vaping sector are still emerging, the broader trade in counterfeit goods costs the UK economy over £9 billion in lost revenue annually and is linked to approximately 60,000 job losses. For legitimate businesses like SKE, the fight is not only about protecting revenue but also about preserving brand trust built on safety and quality.

Hidden Dangers and Consumer Risk

Beyond the economic impact lies a more sinister threat: the severe health risks posed by unregulated fakes. Unlike legitimate products that undergo rigorous testing, counterfeit vapes are produced in clandestine facilities with no quality control. Seized fakes have been found to contain dangerous chemicals like arsenic, lead, and formaldehyde. These devices can also have battery defects that lead to overheating or explosion.

SKE's popular Crystal Bar line has been a major target for counterfeiters. An investigation by The Mirror in 2023 uncovered the prevalence of fake Crystal Bars, prompting SKE to initiate legal action. In one harrowing case, a consumer suffered a collapsed lung after using what was later confirmed by SKE to be a non-authentic product. Laboratory tests on seized fakes have revealed not only illegal tank capacities but also the presence of unlisted and potentially harmful chemicals.

A March 2025 survey underscores the pervasiveness of the issue, with 67% of UK vapers believing they have purchased counterfeit products. A third of those who suspected using an illegal device reported adverse health effects, including sore throats, mouth irritation, and fatigue. Despite these concerns, a critical knowledge gap persists. A separate study found that 88% of consumers could not correctly identify an illegal vape, and only 20% consistently verify a product's authenticity before use.

SKE's Multi-Pronged Counteroffensive

In response to this crisis, SKE has detailed a systematic and aggressive plan of action. The company is actively monitoring both online and offline sales channels, conducting targeted investigations in high-risk regions, and employing professional authentication methods to gather evidence on suspected counterfeit goods.

“SKE does not endorse, permit, or tolerate the production or sale of counterfeit or imitation goods under any circumstances,” the company's statement reads. This is being backed by robust legal enforcement. SKE is submitting formal complaints to regulatory authorities and pursuing legal action against parties involved in serious infringement. The company has also pledged to reinvest any damages obtained in court back into the fight against illicit trade.

Beyond takedowns and legal battles, the company is reinforcing its own defenses. It is strengthening compliance requirements for its distributors and implementing enhanced product traceability measures to detect and prevent unauthorized circulation. This internal governance is a crucial part of preventing fakes from infiltrating the legitimate supply chain.

A Call for Vigilance and Industry-Wide Action

SKE is urging consumers to become the first line of defense. The company advises customers to purchase products exclusively through its official flagship stores, authorized retailers, and disclosed partner platforms. Many legitimate brands, including SKE, now include QR codes or other anti-counterfeit markers on packaging that can be verified on their official websites.

Consumers who suspect they have purchased a fake are encouraged to report it directly to the company via its official customer service channels and to notify Trading Standards, which can take legal action against sellers. However, the effectiveness of enforcement is a growing concern, with reports indicating that many local Trading Standards teams are under-resourced, forcing them to deprioritize investigations into counterfeit goods.

This resource gap underscores the need for a broader, more collaborative approach. SKE has stated its intention to cooperate with regulators, industry associations, and partners to promote a more transparent and responsible market. The battle against counterfeit vapes is not one that any single company can win alone. It requires a concerted effort from manufacturers, regulators, retailers, and consumers to protect public health and ensure the integrity of the market.