Anti-smoking group accuses British American Tobacco of starting a vaping war

According to reports today, on April 23, The Mirror reported that British American Tobacco, one of the world’s largest tobacco companies, has been accused of starting a vaping war by reporting a smaller rival to Trading Standards officers.

British American Tobacco took action after nicotine liquid levels in e-cigarettes sold by Chinese brand Elfbar were found to exceed the permitted limit.

After the allegations reported by the Daily Mail today, Elfbar withdrew the products in February.

The company met with regulators and said it would work with Trading Standards to ensure the withdrawal was effectively enforced.

Weeks later, BAT claimed it had tested Elfbar 600 and Lost Mary vapes and found 71 batches of non-compliant products.

BAT executive Sam Millicheap wrote to Trading Standards: I hope you find this information useful for any enforcement action.

But a Trading Standards officer told us they had taken no action, adding: The real issue is illegal products.

Elfbar claimed BAT’s complaint came after it rejected a takeover offer.

Anti-smoking group Ash accused British American Tobacco of provoking a vaping war and criticized it for contacting Trading Standards officers.

Elfbar said: We have been working hard to ensure future compliance.

BAT said: We believe manufacturers should ensure their products comply with applicable laws.