Unsafe vapes seized

A thousand ‘unsafe’ vapes have been seized, and warnings issued for underage vapes selling on the Island.

Acting on intelligence, the IW Council has taken enforcement action against local businesses selling vapes to underage children as well as illegal ones. UK legislation restricts the size of vapes and refill containers, the strength of nicotine in the liquid, bans certain ingredients or colourings, and requires labels and warnings on packaging.

After being told about ‘alleged, non-compliant’ vapes, predominantly relating to oversized tanks and or poor labelling, a council spokesman said ‘unsafe’ vapes were seized from businesses by Trading Standards officers, and written warnings issued. So far this year, the council has seized around 1,000 vapes which were voluntarily surrendered for destruction.

The authority has also carried out underage test-purchasing exercises, where volunteers are used to make sure businesses are compliant with legislation.

The legal age for vaping, buying vape juice or any related product in the UK is 18. It is also illegal for adults to buy products for anyone under 18. A council spokesman said the authority has found some failures this year, where businesses have failed to pass the underage tests. If further failure is identified the council will consider further enforcement action.

One seller, who failed an underage test, was on the street outside the IW Festival, and given a written warning. The council carried out tests inside the IW Festival, working with Hampshire & IW Constabulary, and found it was compliant with regulations.