Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Lead for Universal Services, said: “Dodgy traders continue to exploit rising demand for vapes and tobacco products, selling illegal items that can undermine legitimate businesses and potentially harm health. That’s why we’ve prioritised frontline resources into tackling this issue. Our commitment to cracking down on illegal products and disrupting black market supply chains is paying off, preventing potentially dangerous products from reaching the hands of consumers. I urge residents to stay alert and to report anything of concern, including underage sales.”
Illegal vapes and tobacco aren’t just a problem because they break the law - they often contain unknown ingredients and higher levels of nicotine, posing serious risks to people’s health. Trading Standards works closely with the County Council’s public health team, including sharing intelligence on the sources of illegal products and where they are being sold.
Guidance for spotting illegal products or activity:
• Check the packaging: poor-quality printing, spelling mistakes, or missing health warnings can be signs of a counterfeit product.
• Look for compliance marks: legitimate vapes and tobacco products should display correct safety markings and manufacturer details.
If you suspect the sale of counterfeit vapes or tobacco – or any sales to underage people – please report it here: https://www.hants.gov.uk/business/tradingstandards/contact-us.
Traders found selling to underage customers or stocking illegal products can face investigation and potential criminal prosecution. Adults who buy these products on behalf of someone underage, also risk a fine.
More information about Hampshire County Council Trading Standards can be found at:
https://www.hants.gov.uk/business/tradingstandards.