2FIRSTS | UK Directors Banned After 352,688 Vapes Imported From China Were Misdeclared as Medical Nebulizers in £15 Million Tax Case
Two UK company directors were banned for nine years after importing 352,688 vapes declared as medical nebulizers, evading £15 million in taxes.Summary
The UK Insolvency Service disqualified two directors of YSK Enterprises, Kyle McGinness and Leanne Moynes, for nine years following an investigation into substantial tax evasion. The company imported large quantities of vapes from China in 2023, and a Border Force inspection of a shipment declared as medical nebulizers revealed 352,688 vaping products. HMRC calculated that YSK Enterprises owed nearly £15 million in unpaid VAT and customs duty, along with approximately £437,000 in corporation tax. The case predates the UK's new Vaping Products Duty, which will introduce a specific excise on vaping liquids starting October 2026. This incident highlights significant tax compliance failures in the vape import market prior to the new regulatory regime.
(Source：2Firsts)
