In collaboration with Trading Standards across the UK, we've embarked on the crucial initiative of testing samples of vape products. This endeavour is prompted by the alarming presence of illicit items on the market. These products pose a significant hazard to consumers who may unknowingly purchase and use sub-standard vaping products, in addition to threatening the reputation of the legitimate vape industry, which is being tarnished by the presence and consumption of such products.
Recognising vaping as a valuable tool for smoking cessation, we are deeply committed to being part of the solution. Our aim is to ensure that only reputable brands and products – which adhere to established laws, regulations and testing requirements – reach consumers.
Through our partnership with Trading Standards, we're actively engaged in the removal of counterfeit products from store shelves. This concerted effort creates room for genuine, high-quality products that have undergone rigorous testing in accordance with standards designed to safeguard public health.
This way, we're not only supporting legitimate vape companies, but also taking tangible steps to protect consumers from potentially hazardous counterfeit items.
How it works
Trading Standards work to actively seize suspected counterfeit products from store shelves nationwide. Once seized, Inter Scientific are provided with the samples to:
- Test nicotine content
- Test tank size
- Test for metals content in e-liquid – These can be unsafe for human consumption
- Test for carbonyl in aerosol
- Perform a packaging review
Occasionally, we may also provide additional testing for puff count and/or metals in aerosol, dependant on the requirements of Trading Standards.
It’s important to note that the packaging of many counterfeit products states inaccurate declarations, such as some products claiming to be 0% nicotine, which we found to contain up to 19.17mg/ml. Not only is this illegal and potentially damaging to public health, it also poses a significant risk to underage youth using these products.
In our recent media work, we’ve been highlighting the urgency of addressing illicit vape products, which represent a significant hazard to both consumer safety and the integrity of the vape industry. Our efforts with Trading Standards are actively contributing to the removal of these items from retail shelves throughout the UK. This, in turn, creates space for compliant products, instilling consumers with trust and assurance in the vape industry.
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