UK's largest vaping retailer VPZ calls for crackdown on illicit 'big puff' vapes

Scotland’s largest vaping retailer is calling for tougher regulations from the UK Government to crack down on illegal super-sized vapes in the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

VPZ urged Westminster to address a “loophole” in proposed laws that would allow manufacturers of so-called ‘big puff’ devices to potentially bypass the single-use vapes ban, coming into force in June.

The Bill, currently making its way through parliament, aims to clamp down on youth vaping by limiting flavours, packaging and displays deliberately designed to appeal to children.

However, campaigners warn that certain provisions in the Bill regarding liquid capacity could allow manufacturers of “big puff” vapes to exploit a gap in the legislation.

“If we don’t do something about it now ahead of June, then we’re going to be talking about ‘Big Puffs’ being this issue this time next year,” said VPZ director Greig Fowler.

Some disposable vapes could be banned across the UK from June onwards if the bill makes it through parliament.

The Scottish Government ran a consultation last year and has already committed to implementing the ban on single-use vapes from June 1.

However, campaigners argue that supersized devices will be able to circumvent the ban in new laws that allow the sale of devices with greater liquid capacity than the legislated 2ml. These can contain anywhere from 6,000 to 50,000 puffs per single device.

By allowing an external plug-in tank of 10ml of vaping liquid, the vapes become a 12ml product, which is six times the legal amount in a disposable device.

Mr Fowler added: “If we are worried about youth getting addicted to 2ml of nicotine, what chance are we giving them if we are saying a 12ml, 24ml or 50ml of nicotine is okay? There’s a reason they’re marketed with ‘puffs’ on the front.”

UK manufacturers also say they face rigorous licencing processes that imported vapes do not.

“Unregulated retailers are making a higher margin from disposable vapes, the ‘Big Puff’ devices. That’s the danger of where we sit at the moment,” Greig said.

“If there are 2.5 billion illicit and cash-avoidant sales, there’s also a load of sales where age verification is not being managed properly, as there are no licence controls and they’re being sold anywhere – American Candy stores, butchers, convenience stores.

“The same vetting process doesn’t apply to the products being imported. It’s self-submission, they put in pictures and list pictures.

“It seems to be one set of rules for the UK manufacturers who are doing it right but we are coming under scrutiny from those who are not doing it right.”

Single-use vapes an 'environmental nightmare.' — Single-use vapes an ‘environmental nightmare.’

Research estimates around three million ‘big puff’ vapes are purchased a week across the UK, versus 5.3m disposable vapes.

The new sub-segment now accounts for 23% of monthly vape purchases, versus 39% for single use vapes, according to data from charity Material Focus, which leads the Recycle your Your Electricals campaign.

Despite some big puff devices being refillable and rechargeable, many are also being marketed online as disposable.

This has prompted concerns that users may continue to throw out and repurchase the devices even after disposables are banned.

Material Focus executive director Scott Butler said: “Without quick and extensive action, the threat of a vapocalypse remains and new big puff vape models are already contributing to an environmental nightmare.”

New laws aim to curb vaping among young people iStock

Linda Bauld, professor of public health at the University of Edinburgh and the government’s chief social policy advisor, denied the legislation would increase access to “big puff” vapes.

“Only 16% of teenagers (who vape) use ‘big puff’ devices – they are not as common as disposables,” she told STV News. “Over half of young people who use a vape use a disposable.

“We’ve seen a big rise in young people vaping between the ages of 11-17. Over the last few years, we’ve seen a massive spike driven by disposable vapes in the main. Over half of young people who use a vape use a disposable.

“We’ve seen regular levels of vaping go up to around 7%; that doesn’t sound high, but there are unknown health risks. We don’t want young people using these devices.

“Legislation is going to take action on all forms of devices, making sure we enforce age of sales, the nicotine content, and most importantly for me, remove remaining marketing and advertising to young people.”

The UK Government say making the sale of single-use vapes illegal will “kickstart the push towards a circular economy”, curb the rise in young people taking up vaping and protect green spaces and streets from litter.

Professor of Public Health Linda Bauld STV News

Vape usage in England grew by more than 400% between 2012 and 2023, with 9.1% of the British public now buying and using these products.

The long-term health impacts of vaping are unknown, and the nicotine contained within them can be highly addictive, with withdrawal sometimes causing anxiety, trouble concentrating and headaches.

Circular economy minister Mary Creagh said: “Single-use vapes are extremely wasteful and blight our towns and cities.

“That is why we are banning single use vapes as we end this nation’s throwaway culture.

“This is the first step on the road to a circular economy, where we use resources for longer, reduce waste, accelerate the path to net-zero and create thousands of jobs across the country.

“This ban is part of the government’s commitment to end the nation’s throwaway culture and stop the avalanche of rubbish that is filling up our high streets, countryside and oceans.

“The environment secretary has made it one of his five core priorities to move to a future where we keep our resources in use for longer, accelerate the path to net zero and increase investment in critical infrastructure and green jobs.”

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “We are working hard to tackle youth smoking and vaping, including in close cooperation with the UK Government and other devolved nations on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

“Banning vapes and nicotine products from being branded, promoted and advertised to children can help stop the next generation from becoming addicted to nicotine.

“We recognise the concerns raised over the popularity of single-use vape products amongst young people. In development of the incoming Environmental Protection (Single-Use Vapes) (Scotland) Regulations, we worked closely with Trading Standards to ensure the definition of single use vapes is sufficiently broad to capture all single use products. We will continue to collaborate to ensure it remains fit for purpose.”