Up to 60% of disposable vape products currently being sold in the UK are illicit, according to industry estimates.
Speaking to ConvenienceStore.co.uk, director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) John Dunne estimated that between 40% and 60% of disposable vapes currently on sale in the country were either non-compliant with domestic laws or counterfeit.
“Based on the amount of [illicit] products I see in the marketplace, the number of reports of illicit sales and what’s being reported to trading standards, I believe it’s that big, and a huge concern,” he explained. “I probably receive between 200 and 400 reports of illegal sellers in the UK every month. All of all of whom are sent over to MHRA and trading standards for enforcement.”
Earlier this month, West Yorkshire Trading Standards and officers from the Kirklees Town Centre Teams seized in excess of 3,000 illegal vapes worth between £35- £40,000.
He warned that non-compliance amongst retailers could destroy a category with huge potential. “This is a market that has huge growth potential for retailers, if it’s allowed grow in a responsible manner, but having a short-term view and ignoring compliance is going to have a detrimental effect. And potentially lead to things like the category being banned, flavour bans or plain packaging.
Dunne advised retailers unsure about what products to stock to consult the available guides, including those on the UKVIA website but said if retailers want a quick rule of thumb, there are limits to watch out for. “The easiest advice I can give is that if it’s over, 600 to 800 puffs, don’t touch it with a barge pole.”
He also called for more action on retailers found to be selling vaping products to those under the age of 18. The UKVIA recently outlined a range of measures to crack down on retailers who sell vapes to children and young people, including fines of £10,000 and a national retail licencing scheme.
“When I speak to retailers, I would ask them to really think about what they’re doing and if they would their children to be able to get their hands on these products. If the answer’s no then why are you selling them?”
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