More than 1,000 illegal vaping devices have been seized by the Royal Borough’s Trading Standards team.
The team carried out checks at 27 businesses in Ascot, Maidenhead and Windsor, seizing 1,011 illegal vapes from nine for destruction over the past six months.
In the UK, current regulations specify that disposable electronic cigarettes with a single use cartridge should have tanks not exceeding 2ml in capacity, and the maximum strength of nicotine should not exceed 20mg/ml. This equates to about 600 puffs, and this figure should be displayed on the packaging.
The seized devices are illegal because they provide between 3,500 and 7,000 puffs, almost 12 times the amount permitted under current regulations.
In most cases, the shopkeepers were unaware of the law and that they were stocking and selling illegal products. They were given a warning by Trading Standards officers who also provided advice on the regulations that vaping devices must adhere to in the UK.
Councillor Simon Werner, the council leader and cabinet member for public protection, said: “This successful operation demonstrates the council’s commitment to protecting its residents by cracking down on the sale of illegal products. While vapes may be a useful aid in helping smokers quit, they must comply with the regulations.
“This work also helps protect law-abiding businesses from the sale of illegal goods, which can create an unfair trading environment for the vast majority of businesses who always follow the rules and buy and sell legal products.
“I’d like to thank our Trading Standards team for their hard work and on this fantastic result. They will continue to carry out checks across our borough to help ensure all products being sold are legitimate and to give us the best possible chance of seizing and, ultimately, preventing illegal items from reaching consumers, taking robust action where necessary.”
Only those aged 18 and over can buy vapes or e-cigarettes, and the team have also been carrying out test purchasing of vapes to those aged under 18 at shops in the borough.
The most recent operation, in conjunction with Thames Valley Police, resulted in nine shops being tested and police cadets were able to purchase four vapes from three shops. Investigations are ongoing.
If you suspect a retailer is selling illegal vapes you can let the trading standards team know via email at Trading.Standards@RBWM.gov.uk
If you’re a business selling vapes, there is further information available about the regulations at https://www.businesscompanion.info/en/quick-guides/miscellaneous/tobacco-vapes-etc-packaging-labelling-advertising-and-tracking