Vendors and customers are being cautioned that potentially hazardous fake vapes are overrunning the UK market and that they are being manufactured in unlivable Chinese factories without manufacturing permits and with no regard for consumer safety.
Since launching its counterfeiting action in June 2021, ELFBAR has targeted over 120 counterfeit manufacturing and distribution targets, like factories, storage facilities, logistics, and international trade firms, resulting in the confiscation of over 2 million finished fake ELFBAR goods, millions of pieces of packaging, and semi-finished vaping pipes, among other accessories.
ELFBAR’s Chief Executive Officer, Victor Xiao, stated: “Customers would be disgusted if they witnessed the circumstances under which these products are produced, and they would be justified in being so.” The crooks behind such fake items are unconcerned about consumer or product safety, and they will go to any length to increase their profits.
“To be honest, the workplace environments in these factories are totally terrible, with employees manning production lines in horrendous conditions without a regard for sanitation at all.”
Mr. Xiao stated that ELFBAR would not stand by while forgers ran roughshod over the sector, tainted the reputations of renowned brands, and jeopardized customers’ health.
He continued: “By managing these products, vendors expose themselves to significant risks and should therefore avert them whatsoever. There is no method of determining what health hazards these goods pose since they have not gone through any regular safety inspections or official screening, and our worry is that they could be seriously toxic.”
As counterfeiters become more sophisticated and efficient, ELFBAR is cracking down hard on the unlicensed vape market and compiling an intelligence detailed report on crappy products. Whilst also ELFBAR works to deter fraudulent transactions at the source, it recognizes that it is difficult to prevent all counterfeits from entering the market and is now cautioning retailers that they are the last line of defense to safeguard the public.
Mr. Xiao continued: “While it can be difficult to distinguish a crap product from a genuine one merely by looking at it, no store should sell phony ELFBAR merchandise. Retail stores can verify the authenticity of a commodity by scanning a code on the boxes, and we encourage them to do so for every item they offer. Combating fakes is a primary focus for ELFBAR, and we have zero tolerance for them all around the industry. “We value the UK market and will strive to do everything in our capability to make sure that British consumers gain confidence in their vapes.”
Elfbar is launching a program to enlighten customers and retailers concerning the risk presented by fake manufacturers as part of its battle against fake vapes. As part of the campaign, ELFBAR shared a video demonstrating its actual manufacturing operations, which shows how they manage product quality as well as avoid buying fake goods by tracking their anti-counterfeiting identifying QR code.
According to the Director General of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), John Dunne, “I commend ELFBAR for taking a position against counterfeit goods.” They represent a significant risk to the international vaping sector’s reputation for primary prevention. This is why we have advocated for a general merchandise licensing system in the UK to stop the sale of illegal goods, as well as much harsher punishments of at least £10,000 per instance for retailers who violate the law in this manner. “Likewise, counterfeiters and individuals who trade counterfeit vapes along the distribution chain must be dealt with in a manner that discourages them from doing so in the future.”
Lee Bryan, Managing Director of compliance specialists Arcus Compliance, which helps leading vape companies abide by the rules when developing new products, remarked: “In any market, malicious actors are the worst of the worst.” While counterfeit goods are hard to detect, distribution companies, suppliers, and retail chains must implement programs to ensure they are performing all necessary checks. “Any absence of inbound vape item tracking could allow fakes to enter the distribution network, posing a significant danger to the consumer’s wellbeing as well as their reputation.”
ELFBAR’s fight against unapproved and bogus devices is part of a long-term dedication to service and quality. According to ELFBAR’s statement: “As a responsible brand, it is our obligation to combat counterfeit factories across the globe and offer the highest products to our clients. Before you open the ELFBAR package, please scan the QR code. If you come across any feared counterfeit goods, please get in touch with us at legal@elfbar.com.”
