Warning from VPZ: "Big Puff" e-cigarettes may bypass ban

Mar.13
Warning from VPZ: "Big Puff" e-cigarettes may bypass ban
VPZ warns of loophole-exploiting e-cigarette devices flooding UK market to bypass upcoming disposable vape ban, calling for stricter regulations.

Key Points:


The Scottish e-cigarette retailer VPZ has issued a warning that "mod style" e-cigarette devices, which can be recharged and refilled, are being used to circumvent the disposable e-cigarette ban set to come into effect in June.


These devices contain significantly more e-liquid than legally allowed, have non-replaceable coils, and are essentially no different from disposable products. They have flooded the UK market in large numbers over the past six months.


VPZ pushes for ban to take effect, calls for closing legal loopholes.


According to a report from the Daily Record on March 13th, Scottish e-cigarette retailer VPZ has issued a warning about the alarming rise of "Big Puff" e-cigarette devices, which are said to be capable of circumventing the disposable e-cigarette ban set to take effect in June.


Greg Fowler, the operations director of VPZ, stated that in the past six months, a large number of "Big Puff" e-cigarette products have flooded the UK market due to regulatory "grey areas." These devices can hold six times more e-cigarette liquid than regular disposable products and have the appearance of being rechargeable and refillable in order to bypass regulations. Despite having a longer lifespan and a USB port, these devices still use non-replaceable coils internally, making them no different from disposable products.


Fowler pointed out that although the British health regulatory agency approves new devices on a weekly basis, some devices have e-cigarette liquid capacities as high as 12 milliliters or more, far exceeding the legal limit of 2 milliliters for disposable e-cigarettes.


We are probably the most unpopular company in the e-cigarette industry right now, because we are the only professional e-cigarette store that refuses to sell 'high-quantity' disposable devices. This is a huge step backwards for the industry.


He stated that overseas e-cigarette devices were hardly regulated when registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK. Since the impending ban on disposable e-cigarettes in the UK in 2024, the popularity of these "bulk number" e-cigarettes has rapidly increased.


In the UK, weekly sales of refillable e-cigarette devices are approximately 3 million, while sales of disposable e-cigarettes are about 5 million. VPZ emphasizes that without action, these "grey areas" may impact more young people in the next two years and result in more irresponsible retailers breaking the law. The UK Tobacco and E-Cigarette Bill is still under review, but any significant changes may take 18 to 24 months, possibly until 2027.


Scottish Green Party health spokesperson Gillian Mackay stated that the ban on disposable e-cigarettes is an important step for public health, but "bulk-buying" e-cigarette devices may undermine the impact of the ban.


Notice

1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.

2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.

Copyright

This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.

This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.