In the UK, a significant crackdown on illegal tobacco products has led to the seizure of over 12,000 illicit vapes and cigarette packs in a major city this year. A recent quarterly report by Peterborough City Council sheds light on this issue, revealing the scope of the challenge in controlling such products within the country.
Trading standards officers have been instrumental in this operation, successfully removing 2,401 illegal vapes, 9,807 packs of cigarettes, and more than 12.5kg of hand-rolling tobacco from shops. This significant effort aligns with the UK government’s current contemplation of measures to address the rise in youth vaping, including considering a ban on disposable vapes.
In England, while vapes are legal, they must adhere to specific regulations. For example, vapes cannot contain more than 2% nicotine or certain prohibited ingredients like diacetyl, a flavoring agent. The council’s definition of “illicit tobacco” includes both genuine tobacco products smuggled into the UK without paying duty and counterfeit products that mimic established brands.
Cambridgeshire County Council highlights tell-tale signs of counterfeit tobacco, such as an unusual taste, cheap pricing, and unconventional packaging. This information is vital for consumers to avoid illegal and potentially harmful products.
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) reveals that about 14% of adults in Peterborough are smokers, a figure comparable to Cambridge. However, in Fenland, the smoking rate is significantly higher, with nearly 28% of its population smoking – the highest rate in England.
This extensive seizure of illicit tobacco products in the UK highlights the ongoing challenges faced by local authorities and the national government in combating the illegal tobacco trade and promoting public health.
