Vape retailer VPZ has called for urgent talks with the government after retailers continue to sell banned single-use vapes despite the legislation that came into force on Sunday.
In a letter addressed to both the UK and Scottish health secretaries, the vaping specialist expressed deep concern that non-compliant and high-capacity disposable vapes remain ”widely available”.
“This is undermining public health efforts, fuelling youth vaping and the environmental impact,” it said. “The legislation was introduced to remove these devices from the market - particularly those that appeal to youths through colourful branding and high nicotine levels.”
VPZ identified dozens of retailers across the UK still selling the banned products, raising serious questions about enforcement and regulatory oversight. “Independent retailers are taking advantage of £200 fines, this is why we have continuously called for them to start at £10,000.”
Jamie Strachan, operations director at VPZ/The Vaping Specialist, said: “This is deeply frustrating and deeply concerning - not just for responsible retailers like us who have complied fully with the law, but for the wider public, especially youths who remain exposed to these illegal products and the damage they are doing to the environment.
“It’s clear that without proper enforcement, this legislation is little more than words on paper. Rules only work if they’re backed by real action.
“Right now, that action is missing, and that undermines the government’s stated commitment to protecting public health and addressing youth vaping.”
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