CTSI Urges Stronger Action Against UK's Noncompliant Vapes

Mar.14.2023
CTSI Urges Stronger Action Against UK's Noncompliant Vapes
The CTSI urges stronger action against noncompliant e-cigarettes in the UK, including batch identification and youth prevention measures.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has called for stronger action to be taken against non-compliant electronic cigarette products in the UK.


The CTSI has stated that non-compliant electronic cigarettes have become "out of control" and is calling on the government to provide clearer guidance and more resources to combat non-compliant trade.


The CTSI recommends that manufacturers disclose the lot numbers of non-compliant products and implement restrictions to prevent teenagers from using e-cigarettes, including banning cartoon characters or light-up e-cigarettes, limiting packaging colors, and prohibiting advertising on social media platforms like TikTok. The organization also suggests reviewing the positioning of products in stores and increasing sanctions against producers, suppliers, and retailers who do not comply with the law.


Representatives from the electronic cigarette industry have expressed their appreciation for the stance taken by the CTSI. The UK Electronic Cigarette Industry Association stated in a press release that "we share the concerns of the CTSI regarding the growth in illegal and underage use of electronic cigarette products and fully support their efforts to provide further resources to strengthen regulation and enforcement.


The UK e-cigarette industry association is taking the lead in forming a youth contact prevention task force, developing a detailed plan to address this issue, including:


Retailers caught selling or illegally distributing products to minors will receive an immediate fine of up to £10,000 (approximately 83,400 yuan).


The national retail registration system requires only stores that meet eligibility standards to legally sell electronic cigarettes.


3. A nationwide testing procurement plan will be implemented to ensure continuous monitoring of retailers selling electronic cigarettes, thereby preventing them from turning a blind eye to sales involving minors.


The key to the success of the proposal is to enhance law enforcement, which requires substantial resources.


The CTSI has acknowledged that it is unfortunate that resources are lacking and that the government needs to intervene and treat this as an urgent matter. The suggestion from the UK Vaping Industry Association aims to support this need for funding, as fines and registration schemes would raise funds.


The UK Electronic Cigarette Industry Association will submit proposals to the government and MPs at the end of March.


Reference/bibliography:


There is a growing demand for authorities to take action against noncompliant e-cigarettes in the United Kingdom.


The UKVIA has issued a response to the concerns raised by CTSI regarding the sale of illegal vape products.


The CTSI (Chartered Trading Standards Institute) has released a statement addressing the current issues surrounding the sale of vapes in the UK.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

India Steps Up Nicotine Pouch Enforcement as ZYN, White Fox Circulate and Drug Panel Urges Halt to New Nicotine Formulations
India Steps Up Nicotine Pouch Enforcement as ZYN, White Fox Circulate and Drug Panel Urges Halt to New Nicotine Formulations
India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has directed states to step up enforcement against nicotine pouch sales, citing increased availability through online and offline channels and concern about nicotine exposure among children. Reuters reported that international brands including ZYN and White Fox are being sold in India. A study led by ICMR-NICPR found pouches in seven of 10 surveyed locations and identified 68 brands and 445 flavors online. Separately, India's Drugs Technical Advisory Board recommended in August that no new nicotine formulation be approved.
Regulations
Sep.28 by 2Firsts Perspectives
JTI’s Nordic Spirit Signs Co-op Live Partnership Ahead of New UK Nicotine Sponsorship Restrictions
JTI’s Nordic Spirit Signs Co-op Live Partnership Ahead of New UK Nicotine Sponsorship Restrictions
JTI nicotine pouch brand Nordic Spirit has entered a long-term partnership with Manchester’s Co-op Live, becoming the venue’s Official Nicotine Pouch Partner. The 23,500-capacity venue is the UK’s largest indoor live entertainment arena. Nordic Spirit will run in-venue activations for existing adult nicotine consumers and sell products at selected arena bars. The agreement was entered into before the relevant UK sponsorship restrictions were introduced, while the government intends to implement a comprehensive ban on advertising and sponsorship of vaping and nicotine products from June 1, 2027.
Sep.07
2Firsts On-Site | CTIHK Showcases Nicotine Pouches, Heated Tobacco and Chinese Cigars at InterTabac 2026
2Firsts On-Site | CTIHK Showcases Nicotine Pouches, Heated Tobacco and Chinese Cigars at InterTabac 2026
At InterTabac 2026 in Dortmund, China Tobacco International (HK) Company Limited (CTIHK) is exhibiting across two separate booths in Hall 5 and Hall 4. Products observed by 2Firsts include heated tobacco products, nicotine pouches, Chinese cigars and tobacco leaf. Nicotine pouch products on display include TOOP, Shuangxi and Ashima.
Market
Sep.16
South Korea Fully Reviews Nicotine-Analog and Nicotine-Free Vape Liquid Imports, With Over 99% From China and Chinese Supply-Chain Documents Under Scrutiny
South Korea Fully Reviews Nicotine-Analog and Nicotine-Free Vape Liquid Imports, With Over 99% From China and Chinese Supply-Chain Documents Under Scrutiny
Korea Customs Service has tightened import controls on nicotine-analog and nicotine-free e-cigarette liquids, placing the products under 100% document review and subjecting all e-cigarette liquid import declarations to pre-clearance ingredient analysis. As of September 20, 2026, South Korea had imported about 15 metric tons of nicotine-analog liquids, 99.99% from China, and about 316 metric tons of nicotine-free liquids, including roughly 315 metric tons, or 99.7%, from China. The measures follow South Korea's April expansion of its tobacco definition to include synthetic nicotine products and include new checks on Chinese manufacturing, transaction and export documentation.
Sep.24
2Firsts Hosts China Market Forum at InterTabac as Global Industry Attention to China’s Tobacco Sector Deepens
2Firsts Hosts China Market Forum at InterTabac as Global Industry Attention to China’s Tobacco Sector Deepens
On September 16, 2Firsts hosted a China-focused industry forum during InterTabac in Dortmund, bringing together more than 30 participants from North America, Europe, India, South Korea and other markets. The session covered traditional tobacco, next-generation products, exports, technology, regulation and supply chains, while examining how China’s tobacco sector operates, where its transformation may be heading, and why its growing role matters increasingly to companies across the global tobacco and nicotine industry.
Sep.21
Juul Displays FDA-Authorized JUUL2, Highlights Age Verification at NACS Show 2026
Juul Displays FDA-Authorized JUUL2, Highlights Age Verification at NACS Show 2026
At the 2026 NACS Show in Las Vegas, Juul Labs displayed its JUUL2 e-cigarette system alongside existing products, age-verification messaging and mobile coupons, 2Firsts observed. The JUUL2 device and Virginia Tobacco and Polar Menthol pods received FDA marketing authorization in August 2026. Booth materials highlighted longer battery life, greater e-liquid capacity and connected-device features. A TruAge sign and a mobile coupon presentation also featured at the booth, with weekly offers available to age-verified adult nicotine consumers at participating retailers.
EXPO
Oct.09