Safety warning after illicit Vapes seized
05 Sep 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Northumberland shops and consumers are being urged by Northumberland County Council to put safety first and check the vapes they sell, or use are legal.
The warning comes after Trading Standards officers in the Public Protection Service seized a large quantity of imported e-cigarette devices which were not intended for the UK market, during a recent routine inspection.
Product names include Hatati Pro Max 4000, Elux 2500 and Prime Bars, available in a range of child-appealing flavours, such as fizzy cherry, prime ice pop and pink lemonade.
Some devices have been found to have a capacity six times larger than that permitted. The tank size of a vape should not hold in excess of 2ml which equates roughly to 600 puffs. They also contain lithium batteries which may not comply with stringent UK safety requirements.
Some vapes have failed to meet stringent labelling and information requirements. Vape products should display certain information either on or within the packaging. This includes:
- Health warnings about the dangers of nicotine which should cover at least 30% of the front and back surfaces of the vape packaging presented as black text on a white background.
- The nicotine content of the product which cannot be more than 20mg per ml
- A batch number to identify the product
- A recommendation to keep the product out of the reach of children
- A name and address for the manufacturer and importer
- Instructions for use
None of the seized devices are registered with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
In all instances, this means that products cannot lawfully be sold in the UK and concerns about safety are heightened. The regime in place for regulation of e-cigarettes and e-liquids is about ensuring product safety and protecting public health.
Public Protection are appealing to all retailers in the county to actively check existing stocks for legal compliance and maintain this vigilance in any new stock obtained. Consumers who buy these products are also encouraged to be aware of what the law requires and keep themselves safe.
Northumberland County Councillor, Gordon Stewart cabinet member for Looking after our Communities said: “Our Trading Standards team are working hard to get these illicit products off the shelves and ensure the removal of any risks they present.
“All of our local businesses selling e-cigarettes should understand the importance of playing their part in complying with legal obligations. We urge businesses to check their stock to remove any non-compliant products from sale and return them to the supplier.”
The rise in popularity of vaping has resulted in some products being rushed onto the UK market or diverted from other overseas markets. These products may not be legal for sale in the UK.
Some of the non-compliant single-use products that have been found are also appealing to young people and may encourage them to try vaping.
It is illegal for e-cigarettes and e-liquids to be sold to anyone under the age of 18 and retailers are reminded of this in addition to ensuring that non-compliant products are removed from sale.
Anyone spotting illegal vapes for sale, or who believes a shop may be selling vaping products to under 18s, should report details to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133. Or in confidence to Trading Standards by emailing
tradingstandards@northumberland.gov.uk
Remember if you do vape, please dispose of used vapes responsibly at the special collection points at the council’s household waste recovery centres (tips). This is especially important as the vapes contain lithium batteries which can be flammable.