UKVIA calls for stronger regulation of e-cigarette sales

On April 19th, in relation to the issue of "Independent laboratory disclosing that e-cigarette oil exceeds the standard", 2FIRSTS contacted the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) to inquire about their opinion on the matter. UKVIA responded to the media through the external communication agency JBP via email regarding their opinion on this matter.

JBP | Image source: Official JBP website.

2FIRSTS presented news reports about "electronic cigarette e-liquid exceeding standard" to which UKVIA responded in an email stating that current regulations in the UK mandate a maximum capacity of 2 milligrams for electronic cigarette products. UKVIA also made it clear that they will not tolerate electronic cigarette companies filling their products to higher levels until this regulation is changed.

The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has noted the UK government's pledge to assist the Trading Standards Bureau with increased resources. It is calling for the government to strengthen regulation against the illegal sales of electronic cigarette products while also ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.

The UKVIA has been calling for measures to be taken to help regulate the sales of these products. We will continue to engage with the government to ensure that all actions are taken to enable the Trading Standards Agency to effectively carry out their work.

The UKVIA is urging law enforcement agencies to tighten their regulation of the sale of illicit electronic cigarette products and to enforce stricter measures in preventing sales to minors.

The UK Vaping Industry Association has submitted a plan to parliament which calls for increased regulation of illegal sales and hefty fines for those who break the rules.

The general points are as follows:

Retailers found selling to minors, including owners and directors, will face fines of up to £10,000. A new national registration scheme will only allow retailers who meet strict qualifications to sell e-cigarette products. The introduction of the first-ever national test purchase program will continuously monitor retailers' sales to minors. Funds collected from fines and the retailer registration scheme will be used to support the enforcement of trade standards by strengthening the authority of the regulatory body.

Finally, UKVIA recommends that manufacturers comply with regulations and laws, and ensure that their products meet quality and safety standards. E-cigarettes play an important role in society, so it is necessary to prevent illegal products from entering the market while allowing smokers to use regulated e-cigarette products.

The UKVIA (UK Vaping Industry Association) has stated that it will continue to work with the government and take all necessary measures to ensure that e-cigarette products in the market comply with regulations and safety standards.

Further Reading:

The UK inspection agency responded to 2FIRSTS stating that electronic cigarette inspections are commissioned by UK law enforcement agencies and that 73% of the products tested exceeded the allowed capacity for e-cigarette liquid.

The Guardian: 73% of e-cigarette liquids in the UK exceed nicotine limits, with 8 zero-nicotine products testing positive for nicotine.

The United Kingdom is planning to crack down on illegal electronic cigarettes. The industry association has announced that it will provide necessary resources to support this effort.

The UK government has announced that it will allocate £3 million to establish a law enforcement group aimed at shutting down stores selling e-cigarettes to minors.