One in Eight “Nicotine-Free” Vapes Contain Nicotine
A shocking investigation by National Trading Standards (NTS) found that one in eight “nicotine-free” vapes actually contain nicotine. The study, carried out in collaboration with Trading Standards teams from Salford, Berkshire, and the Southwest, has exposed major concerns about misleading vape products.
Operation Joseph: Cracking Down on Illegal Vapes
As part of Operation Joseph, authorities are monitoring:
- The sale of illegal vapes
- Vape sales to minors
- The seizure of non-compliant vape products
This initiative is backed by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), enabling local authorities to enforce the law more effectively.
Illegal Vapes Seized in Record Numbers
The scale of the issue is alarming. In 2023–24, Trading Standards confiscated 1.19 million illegal vapes—a 59% increase from the previous year. In the last quarter alone, 299,224 vapes were seized.
Underage Sales on the Rise
During the fourth quarter of 2023–24, 24% of the 775 test orders placed by NTS involved illegal sales of vapes to under-18s.
Salford City Council stepped in, highlighting that consumers buying “nicotine-free” products are unknowingly inhaling nicotine at potentially harmful levels.
Alarming Test Results
Out of 76 vapes tested, 13.2% contained nicotine. The levels ranged from 0.06 mg/ml to 27.02 mg/ml—equivalent to smoking 20 cigarettes.
Protecting Public Health
Councillor Lead Member for Neighbourhoods, Environment, and Community Safety, stated that ensuring people in Salford live longer, healthier lives is a priority.
“We must protect our citizens, especially children, from illegal and dangerous goods.”
She reinforced the council’s commitment to working with partners like NTS to remove illegal vapes from communities and hold businesses accountable for underage sales.
Enforcing the Law
Businesses that ignore regulations will be investigated and prosecuted to uphold the highest safety standards.
Chair of National Trading Standards, stressed the threat of illegal goods to public health, communities, and honest businesses.
Since its launch, Trading Standards has seized:
- £26 million worth of illegal tobacco
- Almost 1.2 million illegal vapes
More Action Needed
Despite these efforts, authorities urge stronger enforcement to eliminate illegal and dangerous vape products from the market.
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