UK Retailers Being Warned About Illegal E-Cigarettes

The UK government officials are warning e-cigarette and vaping retailers after trading officers discover a large number of illegal products. Vaping devices are highly regulated by the government to control the amount of nicotine available and have to be approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

“They should contain no more than 2 per cent nicotine or hold more than two mL of liquid, equivalent to 600 puffs or a packet of cigarettes, according to a news report. “However, in a recent test purchasing exercise across the city to check on compliance, officers were able to buy illegal products at 74 retailers – some containing up to 3,500 puffs, almost six times above the legal limit.”

Officials are now offering retailers the opportunity to contact Trading Standards for advice on their products with the proviso that compliance visits will be carried out in the New Year and any illegal products still on sale will be seized. The council have also been receiving a large number of complaints over the sale of these products to children and is asking parents with information and evidence to contact them.

More information and an online form is available at https://liverpool.gov.uk/business/trading-standards/alcohol-and-tobacco-illegal-trading/ or you can email trading.standards@liverpool.gov.uk