Calls for Tougher Action Against Illegal Vapes

During last week’s Budget debate in the UK, Mary Glindon MP raised her voice against a growing problem: unscrupulous traders selling illegal vapes. These operators not only threaten consumer safety – they also undermine trust in one of the most effective tool adults have to quit smoking.

Stronger Enforcement and Heavy Fines

Ms. Glindon message was clear: tougher enforcement and meaningful penalties are needed. The proposal for fines of up to £10,000 for selling illegal products is a step in the right direction – and long overdue. Right now, there’s a real risk that young people will gain easy access to products that should never be in their hands, while responsible retailers see their reputations tarnished.

The Black Market – A Serious Threat

The UK Vaping Industry Association has long fought for stronger oversight of the black market – not to make life harder for the industry, but to protect adult vapers, keep nicotine out of the hands of young people and drive progress towards a smoke-free society. This is a fight for public health, and it demands bold political decisions.

The situation in the UK mirrors a global trend. In Australia, illegal cigarette and tobacco are projected to account for 80% of Australia’s tobacco market next year. The black market for cigarettes has exploded, prompting the national statistics agency to admit it had underestimated the scale of the problem. Reports suggest illegal cigarettes have become a lucrative business, fuelled by high taxes and strict regulations. This clearly shows that without effective control mechanisms, we risk creating a parallel market that does more harm than good.

Time to Take a Stand

“Regulation must be proportionate. It must not create barriers for adults who need access to these products to quit smoking, and it must not punish responsible retailers who are already doing the right thing,”

says Markus Lindblad, Head of Legal and External Relations at Haypp UK, concluding:

“It’s time to take a stand. Illegal products have no place on the market. They’re not only dangerous because we don’t know what they contain – they also fund serious organised crime. If we want to achieve a smoke-free society, we must start by cracking down on those who break the rules – and supporting those who follow them.”