Czech Republic faces surge in illegal e-cigarette black market

An illegal black market for electronic cigarettes is thriving in the Czech Republic, despite strict regulations. While products that exceed legal limits—such as the Vapepie WT 15000, which contains 20ml of liquid instead of the permitted 2ml—have been removed from visible retail shelves, sales have shifted to clandestine methods. Investigations show that vendors in convenience stores often facilitate sales through mobile phones, encrypted chats, or Telegram to avoid detection during inspections.

A study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS indicates that the Czech Republic has one of the highest proportions of illegal vaping products in the European Union, with an estimated 66% of total consumption coming from gray or black markets. For disposable e-cigarettes, this figure rises to 73%.

The economic impact is significant, with the illegal market valued at approximately 7.5 to 9.5 billion CZK annually. This illicit trade results in substantial losses in VAT and excise tax revenue for the state. In response to these findings, the government is considering legislative changes to allow police to temporarily close retail locations involved in serious violations.