UK Police Seize More Than 1,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes, Warn Against Sales to Minors

Police on the Isle of Wight in the UK have seized more than 1,000 unsafe e-cigarettes and warned that sales to minors are prohibited.

According to a brief report from onthewight on October 10, local police on the Isle of Wight have seized more than 1,000 illegal e-cigarettes and issued a warning against selling e-cigarettes to minors. 

According to the Isle of Wight Council, enforcement action was carried out against local businesses for selling e-cigarettes to minors and for selling illegal e-cigarettes. The council has confiscated around 1,000 e-cigarettes and issued warnings over underage sales and non-compliant products. 

In the UK, relevant laws restrict the capacity of e-cigarettes and e-cigarette e-liquid; limit the nicotine concentration in e-liquid; prohibit certain ingredients and colorants; and require labels and warnings on packaging. 

After receiving reports, a council spokesperson said e-cigarettes deemed "unsafe" had been seized from various retailers and written warnings had been issued. The council has also confiscated 1,000 e-cigarettes that were voluntarily surrendered for destruction. The authority also carried out underage test-purchase operations, using volunteers to ensure retailers comply with the law. 

In the UK, the legal age to buy e-cigarettes or any related products is 18. It is also illegal for adults to buy these products for anyone under 18. 

A council spokesperson said the authority has identified a number of issues this year, with some retailers failing underage test purchases, resulting in written warnings and follow-up testing. If repeat violations are found, the council will consider further enforcement action.