Beware fake Geek Bars in UK, says vape manufacturer

Vape producer Geekvape is warning distributors to be aware of counterfeit copies of its disposable Geek Bar nicotine devices that have entered the UK market.

The fakes are being produced in large quantities in Geekvape's home country of China, despite a concerted effort to disrupt the counterfeit trade that has resulted in a number of illegal factories being taken down.

Starting in June, the company has started to protect its products through the use of a 14-digit security number incorporated in a QR code, updating an earlier system based on a 12-number code hidden behind a scratch-off panel that will still appear on products in some markets, including the UK (see below).

Image source: Vapegreen.co.uk

Geek Bar is working with vaping and retail trade associations as well as regulators to check and seize counterfeit products in the UK, according to a Talking Retail report. All e-liquids sold in the UK containing nicotine must first be approved for sale by Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

There is thought to be high volumes of illegal vapes in the illicit supply chain, which is particularly concerning given the outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) in the US that peaked in 2019.

Counterfeit and unapproved vaping products pose a very serious health concern to users as they are likely manufactured in unregulated facilities with unverified ingredients.