Illegal vaping products reach 70% of the market in Andalusia

The electronic cigarette market in Andalusia is experiencing a paradox where overall consumption is rising while sales at official tobacco shops (estancos) are declining. Industry professionals attribute this shift to a surge in illegal products that bypass European regulations.

According to the Union of Vaping Promoters and Entrepreneurs (UPEV), many consumers are moving away from regulated outlets toward businesses selling non-compliant devices and liquids that lack quality and sanitary controls. This unregulated market also raises concerns regarding minor access to these products.

In Seville, local shop owners report significant drops in sales despite growing demand. Approximately 38.3% of surveyed tobacco shop owners link their declining revenue to customers purchasing illegal products in other establishments, while 27.8% cite the shift toward foreign websites.