SCOTSS seize non-compliant vape devices from retailers and wholesalers in Scotland

The Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS) has seized around 90,000 illegal vapes in Scotland between October to December 2021. SCOTSS is also working very closely with Scottish Government colleagues around the regulation of nicotine vaping devices in Scotland.

A comprehensive examination of the market in Scotland for single use, or disposable, vaping products, carried out by visiting 721 premises, mostly retailers and some wholesalers in October to December 2021.  It was found that a wide range of non-compliant devices, with both safety and health risks were at sale.

Around 88,839 disposable vaping devices were removed from sale due to not labelled correctly in accordance with the TARP Regulations, did not contain sufficient CLP regulation information or had not been published by the MHRA. In addition, 3683 disposable vaping devices were seized as they had a capacity of over the legal limit of 2ml.

Environmental concerns were also highlighted around the waste battery aspect of the devices, millions of which are imported every year, mostly from China. And health concerns about the attractive nature of these devices, which are often brightly coloured and made to be appealing to children.

SCOTSS Chair, Graeme Paton said: “Trading Standards teams across Scotland treat the sale of nicotine vaping products as a high priority, especially where children are concerned, and the rapid expansion of this market for disposable nicotine devices is worrying and presents real risks to the environment and health, especially the health of young people.

SCOTSS works very closely with Scottish Government colleagues around the regulation of nicotine vaping devices in Scotland and we will be highlighting these risks so that appropriate action can be taken.”

Sheila Duffy, CEO of ASH (Scotland) added: “Trading Standards Officers in Scotland have done an excellent piece of work here in highlighting these issues. While some people use vaping to quit smoking, there is a real risk that these products can attract young people into experimentation and addiction. The current craze with disposable, brightly coloured and flavoured e-cigarettes can be child appealing and that is unacceptable.”