Dudley Council issues a warning to borough businesses that they could face enforcement action if found to be selling illegal vaping products.

This follows a number of complaints received from residents who are concerned that some premises are selling illegal goods.

There are strict national regulations that apply to these products.  Vapes cannot hold more than 2ml of nicotine-containing e-liquid and the e-liquid can only contain a maximum of 20mg (%) of nicotine.

E-liquids that contain nicotine can only be sold in bottles with a max volume of 10ml.

Disposable vapes are very popular with younger people and the UK market has been flooded with products that offer a range of flavours.

The council will be contacting businesses as well as carrying out inspections. If a business is found to be selling illegal products, enforcement will be taken. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said:

“These pocket-sized devices contain as much nicotine as ten packets of cigarettes. It is therefore important for businesses to ensure compliance with the law.

“Dudley Council’s trading standards team will be contacting businesses who are selling vapes advising them of the legislation and won’t think twice about taking enforcement action against those businesses who are found to be supplying non-compliant products and selling vapes to anyone under the age of 18.”

People can report the sale of illegal goods or scams via an online reporting form or by calling 01384 814600.