*Updated July 2023
Something that many ELF Bar users worry about is whether or not they are vaping a genuine or counterfeit product. It can be very hard to tell the difference and potentially dangerous to vape using a counterfeit device. Elf Bar in particular is prone to being copied and sold fraudulently. With over 20 counterfeit Elf Bar factories being shut down by Chinese authorities in 2022, consumers have good reason to be mindful about this growing issue.
Elf Bar is one of the most well-known, reputable vaping brands in the world. Established in 2018, the company has reached multiple continents thanks to its high quality, flavoursome vape kits and accessories. It's no wonder, therefore, that counterfeit and fake Elf Bars have also reached the market. After all, this product is in high demand and most customers aren’t aware of all the security features when spotting an imposter. Here's what you need to do about finding the fake Elf Bars.
Understanding & spotting fake ELF Bars is critical 📚
Fake Elf Bar devices might seem harmless. They are often cheaper than genuine devices, with similar designs and flavours. To the untrained eye, there may be little difference and little danger.
However, fake ELF Bar devices can pose serious risks to your property, health and safety:
- 🚒They may contain faulty or dangerous batteries that can overheat, leak, or explode.
- 🔥The may contain other faulty parts or wiring which can damage the battery or cause it to swell - increasing the chance of a battery fire.
- 🧪They may contain excessive or illegal levels of nicotine that can cause poisoning, or adverse reactions.
- 😷They may contain low-quality or contaminated e-liquid that can cause irritation, infection, or disease.
- 👮♂️Selling or distributing fake ELF Bar devices may be criminal and result in fines or criminal proceedings.
- 🛡️Fake Elf Bars might not have the same safety features as genuine products, such as short-circuit protection.
- 🌡️Fake devices are known to have unreliable or inaccurate temperature control systems, which can cause the device to overheat and burn the user.
- 🧴Counterfeit Elf Bars may use e-liquid with undisclosed or harmful ingredients.
In today's guide we're looking at every possible way to test the authenticity of an ELF Bar device, so you can avoid these outcomes and enjoy vaping without any concerns.
How to verify an Elf Bar? ✅
Each Elf Bar package includes essential information to help you check its authenticity in just a minute or two. By using these details you can spot a fake Elf Bar very easily.
On the side of the vape’s cardboard packaging will be a holographic label and QR code. These labels are “anti-stripping” labels, meaning that if they’re removed from their packaging, they’ll disintegrate. Fluorescent ink, anti-counterfeiting patterns, laser threading and micro text are all security features included on this label to ensure that it can’t be copied and used in counterfeit Elf Bars.
By scanning the QR code, you’ll be taken to the Elf Bar website where you’ll receive information about the device’s authenticity instantly. Otherwise, navigate to the verification page and enter the security code by hand to receive your authentication information.
Additionally, all disposable vapes sold in the UK have an ECID number (community identification number) included on the packaging. You can use the government’s MHRA website to check this number, giving you a second way to verify the authenticity of your Elf Bar vape.
What are the signs of a fake Elf Bar? 👁🗨
There are many fake Elf Bars in circulation, very often being sold at a cheaper price than the real thing. Intellectual proper rights are more relaxed in China where ELF Bar are produced - meaning it is much harder to stop copycats.
It can be very difficult to spot a fake Elf Bar, as their designs are simple and can be easy to mimic, however there are a few key areas to keep an eye on that can give it away.
Identify a fake Elf Bar by packaging 📦
Firstly you can look at its packaging and compare it with an Elf Bar that you know to be authentic. Often, the logo and barcode on a fake Elf Bar will be bigger or smaller than the authentic ones. If you don’t have a real Elf Bar with you to compare, you can look up pictures on the official Elf Bar website.
Secondly, check the label for misspellings or grammatical errors. Sometimes “Elf Bar” might be misspelt or say something else. Finally, make sure the colours of the logo and label match the colours of the genuine Elf Bars.
Is the device sealed in an airtight plastic rap inside the box, like authentic devices? Do it feature a rubber mouthpiece cover, and bottom air-intake sticker? If not, you should have immediate suspicions.
Check the colour and texture of the device itself once unpacked. Is the colour and even gradient as you would expect? Are the fixtures of the device the right size and proportions to a real device? Is the printed lettering on the device even and clear?
Identify a fake Elf Bar by taste 👅
The ultimate test for a fake Elf Bar is the quality and flavour of the vapour itself. This may be the most crucial step in determining whether Elf Bars are fake or not. Counterfeit Elf Bars may have an unpleasant or artificial taste and smell, which may indicate that the product is not authentic. You should expect a smooth and satisfying vaping experience from a genuine Elf Bar, with no harshness or off-notes.
Identify a fake Elf Bar by sound 👂
Also, while the device is turned-on and producing vapour, fake Elf Bars may make a loud buzzing noise. Authentic devices make very little noise while in use, while cheaper counterfeit atomisers have a higher chance of creating extra noise. These noises are often accompanied by unpleasant tasting vapour as it can indicate the atomiser is failing to work properly.
An authentic device may make extremely quiet bubbling sounds when turned off, due to small air bubbles moving through the vape liquid - however this is not common.
Audible and sustained noises like buzzing and humming while the device is not in use could be a sign of a more serious problem, like a swelling battery, loose wiring, fault atomiser or failing intake sensor, which should be cause for you to stop using the device, place it in a secure, fireproof container, until your are able to dispose of the fake device.
Identify a fake Elf Bar by price 💰
If the price is too good to be true, it probably is! Counterfeit items are often sold at a significantly cheaper price to attract buyers. However, remember that cheap can be expensive in the long run (especially for your health), particularly when dealing with subpar and potentially dangerous vaping products.
Identify a fake Elf Bar by weight 🏋️♀️
Finally, how much does the device weigh? An Elf Bar 600 weighs approximately 28 grams, feeling very light in the hand. Fake devices may be built from different components to official Elf Bars, resulting in them weighing more or less than you’d expect.
Identify a fake Elf Bars by airflow ✈
Authentic ELF Bar devices have consistent airflow once the protective packaging is removed from the device. It should remain steady throughout the devices lifetime without increasing or decreasing. Fake devices may have unusual, unsteady airflow which results in poor vapour production.
Identify a fake Elf Bar by the charging port 🔌
Regulated, TPD approved ELF Bar disposable vapes do not feature a charging port. ELF Bar disposable devices sold in the UK which feature a charging port are likely to be fake or unregulated.
Identify a fake Elf Bar by LED light 💡
The light at the bottom of the Elf Bar should glow steadily when in use and flash when it's low on battery. If the light behaves differently, it is likely a fake.
Identify a fake Elf Bars by smell 👃
If your disposable vape emits a foul odor like burnt plastic or smoke, it could indicate a counterfeit device. This smell could come from an overheating coil burning the plastic casing or improperly vaporized e-liquid. If such unpleasant odors occur, it's best to dispose of the device immediately as it could be defective and unsafe.
Identify a fake Elf Bars by merchant 💸
While it's not always a good idea to generalise, large supermarket stores or other shops with multiple locations and efficient supply chain management are less likely to sell fake devices, compared to smaller businesses or sole traders.
Identify a fake Elf Bar by liquid level🌊
The e-liquid level in a new Elf Bar should be full. If it's not, or if the liquid appears cloudy or discoloured, it might not be genuine.
Identify a fake Elf Bars by paperwork📜
- Having the name and UK address of the importer or manufacturer on the packaging.
- Having the exact phrase “This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance” on the products.
- Must include an enclose information leaflet to inform the consumer.
If an ELF Bar device fails to meet any of these standards, it is almost certainly a fake.
Identify a fake Elf Bar by product code🔢
Every authentic Elf Bar has a unique serial number or product code printed on its packaging. This code can be found on the packaging or the device itself. You can check the validity of the code on the official Elf Bar website or by contacting their customer service. Counterfeit Elf Bars may have missing, duplicated, or illegible codes, signaling that they are not genuine products.
Identify a fake Elf Bar by tactile feel🤚
When it comes to the physical experience of holding an Elf Bar, the authentic ones have a distinct texture. Genuine Elf Bars have a smooth yet durable surface, a sign of high-quality materials used in manufacturing. Counterfeit products, in contrast, may feel noticeably different. They might be overly smooth, slippery, or oddly textured because they are often made of cheaper materials. Your sense of touch can be a powerful tool in spotting a fake.
Identify a fake Elf Bar by reviews🗣️
Customer reviews and feedback can be an invaluable resource when identifying fake products. Make a point of checking reviews on both the vendor's website and third-party review sites. Genuine sellers often have predominantly positive reviews and any issues raised by customers are swiftly addressed. On the other hand, sellers of counterfeit products may have many negative reviews, with common themes being poor product quality, lack of customer service, or the product not matching its description.
Identify a fake Elf Bar by batch number🧾
Each Elf Bar is part of a specific batch of production, indicated by the batch number. Genuine Elf Bars have their batch number printed on the packaging, which can be traced back to its specific production lot. If your product doesn't have a batch number, or the number is difficult to read or seems suspicious, it could be a counterfeit. The absence of a batch number means the product can't be traced, which is a common characteristic of counterfeit items.
Identify a fake Elf Bar by expiry date📅
Like many consumable products, authentic Elf Bars have an expiration date printed on their packaging. This shows the product's shelf-life and guarantees the best experience before this date. If the product doesn't have an expiration date, or if the date has been tampered with or is hard to read, it could be a sign that it's a counterfeit product. This indicates a lack of compliance with manufacturing and quality standards.
Identify a fake Elf Bar by a holographic sticker🌈
Many Elf Bars feature a holographic sticker on their packaging. This is an additional security measure taken by the company to prevent counterfeiting. The holographic sticker is usually embossed with a unique pattern or company logo that changes appearance when viewed from different angles. This security feature is quite complex and very difficult for counterfeiters to replicate accurately. If the holographic sticker on your Elf Bar is missing, looks different, or doesn't change when viewed from different angles, it's likely that the product is fake.
The Dangers Of Fake Elf Bars ⚠
Many imitation Elf Bars are perfectly safe, and will have been through the same processes and checks that official Elf Bars have - this is to say “Don’t panic!” just because you’ve found out that your device is not an official Elf Bar. Check the MHRA website and use any information included with the device to find out who manufactured it and if it meets safety standards. However, some fake Elf Bars have the potential to be very dangerous depending on how they were made.
Real Elf Bar disposable vapes have been approved by appropriate regulatory agencies and their legitimacy is double checked by distributors - such as JM Wholesale, to ensure everything is above board. When these checks are not completed, the vaping device could fail in multiple ways. For example, the battery could be faulty, break quickly or overheat. The tank could leak or release juice into the mouthpiece. The e-liquid might not be fit for human consumption and could contain just about anything, including illegal amounts of nicotine. The faulty components could make vaping difficult, unpleasant or literally dangerous for you to use.
If an Elf Bar is fake, you have no way of knowing what ingredients were used in the e-liquid: it could contain literally anything, posing a real danger to your health. Your best choice is to throw away the fake device, and purchase a new Elf Bar from an authorised seller who can prove their devices’ legitimacy.
How Much Nicotine is in an Elf Bar? 💧
There is an upper limit as to how much nicotine can be put into vaping kits, and Elf Bar follows these rules as per regulations. This means a real Elf Bar will contain no more than 20mg of nicotine. This is 2% of the maximum e-liquid limit allowed in the vape pen (2ml). This is the equivalent of 48 cigarettes.
In a fake Elf Bar, you may not know how much nicotine is included. It could be over the regulatory limit which can make you feel unwell. Or it could be under the amount stated on the packet. For example, it might say 20mg, but really it only has 5mg, and this means you don't get as much nicotine as you require.
Similarly, a genuine Elf Bar will be able to more or less guarantee its puff count. For example, if your Elf Bar says you'll get 600 puffs, this is what you will get. But a counterfeit Elf Bar might state 600 puffs only for it to run out after 300.
There have been very rare cases where authentic Elf Bars have exceeded the limit on the amount of nicotine permitted, and the devices had to be recalled. This is an exceptionally rare issue, with millions of Elf devices being sold in the UK each year without problem.
Examples of Genuine Elf Bars
Elf Bar supplies a wide range of vaping kits, for new vapers and experts alike. By studying the images of these Elf Bars you can tell whether or not your purchase is real or fake by making a comparison.
Some of their most popular products are:
20mg 600 Puff Elf Bar Disposable
This popular Elf Bar comes in more than 30 amazing flavours including grape, cola, cherry, blueberry and pink lemonade. It has 600 puffs and a 50/50 e-liquid ratio between VG and PG. Take notice that each flavour comes in a different coloured pod, with the flavour written on the side. If your Elf Bar doesn't look like this, it could be fake.
20mg Lost Mary Elf Bar BM600, 600 Puffs
Available in more than 20 flavours, this sophisticated looking Elf Bar has a unique shape and each pod is coloured as per its flavour. Similar to the 20mg 600 Puff Disposable Elf Bar, this pod has the name of the flavour listed on the side of the bar. This is one of the most copied designs in the world of disposable vapes. There are countless brands and devices that try to mimic the bottle-box shape of the BM600.
20mg Cigalike Elf Bar Disposable 400 Puffs
This cool and compact looking Elf Bar mimics a cigarette so is perfect for people who are making the transition away from cigarettes to vaping. There's a number of flavours to choose from, has a stainless steel shell, LED lighting and 400 puffs. If you buy a product that doesn't contain these features, it could be a fake, so make sure you check out any of your suspicions before vaping.
Elf Bar Elf Mate 500 Pod Starter Kit
This sophisticated Elf Bar has a constant voltage output, meaning you get a stable taste every time you take a puff. You can combine this vape with the Elf Bar RF250 Refillable Pod and the P1 pre-filled pod plus enjoy a range of flavours too.
Need our help? If you are worried about any of the Elf Bars you have in stock, let us know. We remain committed to upholding the highest regulatory standards when selling Elf Bars wholesale to our stockists.
Legal consequences of selling counterfeit ELF Bars 👩⚖️
In the UK, selling counterfeit goods, even unknowingly, can result in legal consequences for the seller. The sale of counterfeit products violates intellectual property rights, such as trademarks, patents, and copyrights, and can lead to both civil and criminal penalties.
If you unknowingly sell counterfeit Elf Bars, you may face:
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Civil penalties: The owner of the infringed intellectual property rights (in this case, Elf Bar) may choose to take legal action against you. They can seek an injunction to stop further sales, request the destruction of the counterfeit goods, and claim damages or an account of profits made from the sales of counterfeit products.
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Criminal penalties: Selling counterfeit goods is a criminal offence under the Trademarks Act 1994 and the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. If found guilty, you could face fines, imprisonment, or both. Although your lack of knowledge may be considered a mitigating factor, you may still be held liable for selling counterfeit products.
To minimize the risk of legal consequences, retailers should take steps to ensure the authenticity of the products they sell. This includes purchasing from reputable suppliers, verifying product authenticity, and staying informed about the security features of the products being sold.
If you discover that you have unknowingly sold counterfeit Elf Bars, it is crucial to stop selling the counterfeit products immediately, report the issue to the relevant authorities, and seek legal advice to understand your potential liability and the best course of action to resolve the situation.
Environmental impact of counterfeit ELF Bars ♻
While ELF Bar products are not 100% recyclable, they can be disassembled, allowing the plastic parts to be recycled, separately from the battery (not all UK councils offer battery recycling, check out your local services here).
Many fake ELF Bar devices we encounter use glues in their constructions. This can make disassembly impossible, meaning recycling is not an option.
Furthermore, fake devices which are liable to include substandard batteries can be dangerous to disassemble full stop. In many cases, batteries are not wrapped properly leading to potential fire hazards.
You can learn more about how to recycle ELF Bar disposables in our Ultimate Guide to ELF Bar.
Conclusion
Authentic Elf Bar devices are packed with security features to ensure they can’t be copied easily. By taking the time to read and check your Elf Bar’s security code with the official website, you can be 100% sure that you’ve received an authentic Elf Bar device. If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of your vape, then stop using it immediately, check the security features we’ve described and throw the device away if it shows signs of being a fake.
