Jamie Strachan, operations director at VPZ | The Vaping Specialist, said: “We welcome the government’s commitment to cracking down on the growing problem of illegal and non-compliant vaping products entering the UK market.
“For too long, responsible retailers have been undercut by rogue traders who openly flout regulations, putting public health at risk and undermining legitimate businesses.
“The introduction of stronger Border Force and HMRC powers, including on-the-spot fines and immediate product seizure, is a crucial step in removing these dangerous products from Britain’s high streets.
“We also support the move towards digital duty stamps, which will provide greater traceability, allow consumers to verify authenticity, and create a more transparent and accountable supply chain.
“We have consistently called for tighter enforcement, better compliance, and a level playing field for the industry.
“We remain committed to the highest standards of age verification, product quality, and regulatory compliance, and we will continue to work closely with government and regulators to ensure vaping remains a safe and effective harm-reduction tool for adult smokers.
“These measures must now be matched with sustained enforcement action and support for reputable specialist retailers who are playing by the rules.
“By tackling the illicit market head-on, the government can protect consumers, support honest businesses, and restore confidence in a sector that plays an important role in reducing smoking across the UK.”
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