VPZ, the UK’s largest specialist vape retailer, is seeking clarity after a Health Minister acknowledged during the Report Stage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill that some manufacturers are developing products designed to circumvent UK vape regulations.

Speaking in the House of Lords last night, Baroness Merron, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, said:

“Under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, vaping products are already limited to 2 millilitres for tanks and 10 millilitres for refill containers.

“Over recent years, some manufacturers have developed devices where multiple refill containers can be attached to a single device as a means of circumventing the legislative requirements and restrictions.”

The remarks suggest the Government is aware that high-capacity “big puff” devices are being designed and imported in ways that undermine existing UK law.

However, while recognising the scale of the issue, the debate did not outline any immediate new enforcement measures or actions specifically aimed at stopping these products from entering the UK market.

The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 set clear limits on tank and refill container sizes. Devices engineered to attach multiple refill containers in order to bypass those limits undermine the intention of the law and the integrity of the regulated market, while also contributing to concerns around youth vaping.

Although these devices are designed to appear reusable, many are in practice used and discarded as single-use products, undermining the environmental and public health aims of the disposable vape ban introduced last summer.

During the debate, several members of the House of Lords stressed that tackling the illicit and non-compliant vape market should be a priority.

They argued that stronger enforcement against illegal imports is essential both to protect consumers and to ensure responsible retailers who follow the rules are not placed at a disadvantage.

For legitimate vape retailers and customers, this issue highlights an ongoing challenge in the UK market: ensuring products sold to consumers meet the country’s safety and regulatory standards.

VPZ supports proportionate regulation that protects young people, maintains product standards and ensures adult smokers have access to compliant alternatives to combustible tobacco.

Jamie Strachan, Operations Director at VPZ | The Vaping Specialist, said: “If Ministers are openly acknowledging in Parliament that manufacturers are designing products to circumvent UK regulations, the obvious question is: why are they not acting to stop it?

“The limits on tank and refill sizes are clearly set out in law.

“If those limits are being deliberately sidestepped through product design, the Government should move swiftly to close the loophole and ban these devices outright.

“Responsible retailers are complying with the rules and investing heavily to ensure full regulatory compliance.

“It is deeply frustrating to see gaps remain unaddressed when the issue has clearly been recognised at ministerial level.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Clip of Baroness Merron: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/vpzuk_has-baroness-merron-just-admitted-that-chinese-activity-7434698452640481280-LLRs?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABfDJgoBekee8wIBmm3GYR7uxZ2LCehJUy4

For press inquiries, please contact: Paul Smith / paul.smith@vpz.co.uk / 07483 924407

About VPZ

VPZ is the UK’s largest vaping specialist with over 190 stores throughout the country.

The Edinburgh-based retailer and manufacturer have already helped hundreds of thousands of smokers in the UK quit since it was established in 2012.

VPZ’s specialist team is NCSCT trained (National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training) and has expert knowledge, engaging with smokers to educate them on the health and financial benefits of switching to vaping.

Information on the UK Government’s Smoke-Free by 2030 plans can be found here: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2017/06/16/our-ambition-for-a-smokefree-nation-is-in-sight

Tags

More Like This

UK Government Rejects Proposed Regulations To Stop Youth Vaping

VPZ Calls for Strong Enforcement as Tobacco and Vapes Bill Passes

Youth Vaping Awareness Campaign Hits The Streets Of Westminster

MPs Urged To Vote Responsibly On Tobacco and Vapes Bill 3rd Reading

Warning Over Super-Size Disposable Vape in Tobacco and Vapes Bill

Trading Standards Must Act On UK Shopping Centre Advertising Illicit Vape

Government Inaction Threatens UK Smoke-Free 2030 Goal

VPZ Urges Scottish Government To Adopt UK Licensing Scheme For Vape Retailers