VPZ, the UK’s largest specialist vape retailer, has acknowledged the passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill through the House of Lords, marking a significant milestone in the United Kingdom’s public health and regulatory framework for nicotine products.

The retailer has long supported responsible retail standards, strong compliance systems and effective enforcement remain essential to maintaining consumer safety and public confidence in regulated vaping products.

The legislation represents one of the most substantial regulatory changes affecting the sector in a generation.

As the Bill moves toward implementation, attention now turns to the enforcement architecture that will determine how effectively the new framework operates in practice.

Measures within the legislation aim to create a smoke-free generation and introduce further controls on vaping products and their retail environment.

VPZ has long supported responsible regulation that protects young people while ensuring adult smokers retain access to safer alternatives to combustible tobacco.

However, the company has expressed concern that the legislation does not directly address the growing presence of high-capacity disposable devices often referred to as “big puff” products, many of which exceed existing regulatory limits or are designed to circumvent them.

These devices are frequently linked to the illicit market and risk undermining consumer protections, responsible retailers and wider confidence in regulated vaping products

VPZ believes the next phase of policymaking must focus on ensuring that the Bill’s objectives are delivered through effective enforcement, robust product testing requirements and stronger action against non-compliant imports entering the UK market.

As the Government develops the secondary legislation that will sit behind the Bill, including the proposed product registration and testing regime, the company believes it is vital that regulatory design supports responsible retailers while preventing unlawful products from gaining a competitive advantage.

Jamie Strachan, Operations Director at VPZ | The Vaping Specialist, said: “Passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill marks an important moment for public health policy in the UK.”

“Responsible regulation is essential to protect young people, and we have long supported measures that maintain high retail standards while ensuring adult smokers can still access safer alternatives to combustible tobacco.”

“However, the continued presence of high-capacity disposable devices designed to circumvent existing limits risks undermining both consumer protections and responsible retailers.”

“As the Government now develops the detailed regulations that will implement the legislation, strong enforcement and clear product standards will be critical.”

“The success of the new framework will depend on strong enforcement against non-compliant products and clear regulatory standards that support responsible retailers.”

“VPZ will continue to work constructively with policymakers, regulators and enforcement agencies as the implementation phase begins.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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

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