Sheffield has recorded the highest number of illegal vape seizures in South Yorkshire

More than 25,000 illegal vapes have been seized in Sheffield so far this year, the highest number recorded anywhere in South Yorkshire, according to new figures.

Data obtained through Freedom of Information requests shows 25,674 illegal vaping products were confiscated in Sheffield during 2025.

Disposable vapes were banned a year ago (PA) | Local Library

placeholder image — Disposable vapes were banned a year ago (PA) | Local Library

The figure is more than two-and-a-half times higher than the 9,743 seized in Doncaster.

The figures also reveal that more than 41,000 illegal vapes have been seized in Sheffield over the past three years, highlighting what campaigners say is a growing problem for trading standards teams and retailers.

Illegal vapes can include products that exceed the UK's legal nicotine limits, contain oversized tanks or fail to meet packaging and labelling requirements.

Trading standards officers have warned consumers to be cautious when buying vaping products, particularly from unregulated sources.

Dan Marchant, director of Vape Club, which compiled the data, said the illegal vape market remains a significant challenge.

He said: "We've long called for a retail and distributor licensing framework to be implemented for the vape sector.

“This would provide trading standards the power and resources to effectively enforce the law right across the UK.

"It's a nationwide issue and is affecting our high streets and local areas."

Mr Marchant added that illegal products could still be reaching consumers despite enforcement efforts.

The figures were collected as part of Vape Club's annual Illegal Vapes and Nicotine Product Report, which gathered responses from councils across the UK covering the period from 2020 to 2025.

More information about the report can be found at Vape Club.