Scotland cracks down on unsafe vapes: 1000’s of non-compliant disposables removed from sale.
“Illegal and counterfeit products are flooding into the market” warns the Head of Aberdeen’s Trading Standards as popular disposable vape brands are removed from shelves.
Trading Standards have removed thousands of disposable vapes from sale across Scotland, in a major crackdown against unlisted, counterfeit and potentially unsafe vape devices. Over the last few weeks, Officers have removed vape devices made by several popular brands which were not listed on the official MHRA website. They are also checking to see if stores are selling these nicotine products to minors under the age of 18.
Over the last year, over 1200 spot checks were carried out by Scottish Trading Standards using volunteers aged under 18. Over 4000 “advice visits” were also made to premises selling tobacco and vape products. In 50 of 378 spot checks, a vape product containing nicotine was sold to a minor.
Graeme Paton, the Manager of Trading Standards in Aberdeen, said:
It was unacceptable that vapers are unknowingly risking their health by using these unsafe disposable products. Illegal and counterfeit products are flooding into the market and consequently pose a potential health risk to customers. Inappropriately branded products are also being purposely marketed towards children.
It left some stores with only a few compliant vape devices remaining on their shelves. This includes the Hyppe MAXX disposable device, which was allowed to remain on sale as it is fully listed on the MHRA website. The device is fully TPD compliant and conforms to all labelling and conformity regulations. The Hyppe MAXX will continue to remain on sale across Scotland.
I sell disposable vapes in my store in Scotland. What regulations should I be aware of?
All nicotine containing disposable vape devices must be fully compliant in line with the following regulations:
- CLP (Packaging Regulations, find more info on the ECHA Website)
- TPD (EU Tobacco Product Directives)
- TRPR – Tobacco Related Product Regulations
- ROHS – Restriction of Hazardous Substances
- UKCA/CE – UK/EU laws surrounding product conformity.
- Tactile Warning with Compliant Labelling (ISO 11683:1997)
Visit the official MHRA website to check if devices you sell are listed. If they are not included on the main list or the legacy list, they are not compliant. Read our guide to compliant devices on our blog and check the UKVIA retailers’ guidance for further information.
Why were some disposable vapes taken off shelves?
There were many reasons disposable vape products were targeted and removed from sale by Trading Standards. In many cases, it was primarily down to three main factors.
Firstly, the product’s ECID code was not listed on the official MHRA website. Just because a device has an ECID code, it does not mean it is compliant. It must also be listed on their official website. Read our compliance guide for more details.
Moreover, some devices did not contain the correct information about the product. Many did not include an information leaflet inside with the required warnings and product information (it can be difficult to fit all of the required information on the packaging alone). Furthermore, many of the devices did not contain information about ‘nicotine dosage per puff’, only stating the overall nicotine content (usually 20mg/ml).
What are the consequences of stocking non-compliant devices?
This is just another example of the consequences of purchasing and/or selling non-compliant vape devices. Many shops have found themselves in the position of holding stock they cannot legally sell in Scotland. Stores may have spent thousands to stock these devices, only to find they cannot make any profit from them.
This has left stores having to send stock across the border to sell in England and Wales (if they are compliant), or continue to hold stock they can’t put on sale. It also means they need to find alternative, fully compliant devices like the Hyppe MAXX to replace their non-compliant products. For more information, read our blog on disposable vape compliance to help you get up-to-speed on the relevant regulations.
The removal from sale of certain brands of disposables also calls into question trust between vape suppliers and their customers. Many stores have bought these devices from their suppliers without knowing they were non-compliant. They are now incurring the financial, logistic and potentially legal costs of stocking these devices.
If you need to find disposable devices that are fully compliant and listed on the MHRA website, then visit our Wholesale site today.
Eco-Vape is a full member of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA). Building and maintaining trust with our customers is essential to our business and we are very proud of our strong relationships with our customers. We are delighted to say that the products we sell are fully TPD compliant and will remain on sale across the UK, including our disposable vapes.
We provide free advice to stores, suppliers and wholesalers and can answer any questions you may have about our products and the current laws surrounding e-cigarettes and nicotine e-liquids in the UK. You can also read the UKVIA’s guide to vaping on our retail blog for further information.
With the craze around disposable vapes set to continue, the MAXX is a device that you can trust.
An upgrade from the Hyppe Q disposable model, the Hyppe MAXX features an upgraded 500mAh battery, and up to 600 puffs of flavourful, 20mg/ml hybrid salt nicotine. Importantly, it is fully compliant and a risk free disposable option for wholesalers and retailer looking to stock up.
It is currently available in 5 mouth-watering ice flavours, with more on the way. The new model features a sleeker design that feels great in your hand. Its flat bottom also allows the device to be stood up on a flat surface. What’s more, three holes located at the base of the device can be covered with a finger to restrict airflow for tighter draws and bigger clouds.
A classic ‘auto draw’ feature makes the MAXX a convenient, ‘ready to vape’ e-cigarette option for beginner vapers and consumers looking for a low maintenance, hassle-free vape. Very handy when you’re driving or out and about, with no need for messy refills or having to change coils.
Order yours today from Eco-Vape Wholesale.
