Trading Standards officers need more resources to crack down on rogue traders selling illicit vapes and other products, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has said.

The call comes as a UK-wide ban on disposable vapes came into effect on 1 June, with only refillable and rechargeable devices now legal for sale.

Trading Standards teams are “drastically under-resourced”, according to the ACS, with officers typically only able to visit premises following intelligence or reports from consumers and other businesses.

ACS issues disposable vape ban clarity as confusion continues

Research commissioned by the ACS last year found that Trading Standards teams need £140m over the next five years to tackle illicit vapes alone, with £30m required this year – three times the amount currently provided to enforcement officers.

The ACS added that thousands of rogue traders already selling illegal vapes could see a major boost now the disposable ban is in place.

James Lowman, chief executive of the ACS, said: “We strongly support robust enforcement activity, starting with the businesses that are already openly flouting the rules by selling illicit product and who will continue to sell disposable vapes once they’re outlawed.

“It is essential that Trading Standards teams are given the resources they need to get illegal vapes and other products off the streets, as these rogue businesses undermine the work of responsible retailers across the country.”

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