UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill: Closing Loopholes in Vape Regulations
Crackdown on Illegal Super-Sized Vapes
Scotland’s largest vape retailer, VPZ, is urging the UK Government to close a legal loophole that allows illegal super-sized vapes to be sold. These devices, also known as “Big Puff” vapes, could evade the upcoming ban on disposable vapes set to take effect in June.
What the Tobacco and Vapes Bill Aims to Do
The UK Government’s proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill seeks to curb youth vaping by regulating:
- Flavours
- Packaging
- Store displays
While this bill is designed to protect young people, campaigners warn that it may inadvertently allow certain high-volume liquid vapes to continue being sold.
The Problem with “Big Puff” Vapes
- Some vapes hold between 6,000 and 50,000 puffs, exceeding the UK’s 2ml legal limit for disposable devices.
- External liquid tanks can transform these devices into 12ml vapes, six times the allowed amount.
- The appeal of these devices increases the risk of nicotine addiction among young people.
Unfair Market Practices
UK vape manufacturers comply with strict licensing requirements, whereas imported vapes bypass these regulations. Many illegal sales occur without age verification, with vapes being sold in unregulated shops such as:
- American candy stores
- Butcher shops
- Convenience stores
The Scale of the Problem
- An estimated 2.5 billion illegal vape sales involve cashless transactions.
- Around three million “Big Puff” vapes are sold weekly in the UK.
- 39% of monthly vape sales come from single-use vapes.
The Environmental and Health Concerns
While some “Big Puff” vapes are rechargeable, many are discarded irresponsibly, contributing to waste. Health experts also warn about the unknown long-term effects of vaping and the high risk of nicotine addiction.
Government Response to the Vape Crisis
The UK Government is taking steps to address the issue:
- Banning disposable vapes to reduce waste and protect young people.
- Enforcing stricter regulations to prevent unregulated sales.
- Encouraging a circular economy by reducing single-use products.
Protecting the Next Generation
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto emphasised that vaping products should not be marketed or sold to minors. The new laws aim to:
- Prevent nicotine addiction in young people.
- Strengthen trading standards to monitor vape sales.
- Ensure that all single-use vapes fall under the ban.
The Future of Vaping Regulation
The government is committed to reducing the environmental impact of disposable vapes while tackling illegal sales. By ensuring fair regulations for all vape products, they hope to create a cleaner, healthier future.
This bill marks a crucial step towards ending the throwaway culture and promoting responsible vaping practices.
If the issues outlined in this article are affecting you, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we will do what we can to help you with your situation.