Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Calls for ‘strong penalties’ as new research finds no vape businesses fined for environmental non-compliance

Disposable Vape Ban
Photo: iStock

The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has called on regulators to come down hard on vaping businesses who are not meeting their environmental obligations, after a Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed none have been fined or prosecuted for failing to meet their WEEE responsibilities.

In it’s FOI response, the Environment Agency explained there are no ‘civil sanction response options’, including monetary penalties, for the WEEE regulations, but said producers may be liable to an unlimited fine if they are found guilty of an offence. According to the agency, no EEE producers – which would include vape producers – have been fined or prosecuted between 2022 and May 2024.


The EA also said there is no obligation for vape producers to identify themselves as a retailer, distributor, manufacturer or other type of producer when registering or reporting data.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards, responsible for environmental regulations relating to retail stores selling vapes, said it ‘did not hold’ information on the number of specialist and non-specialist vape businesses who have been fined or prosecuted for failing to meet their obligations.

The regulator said the data has not been collected due to the ‘changing scope of the landscape’ and growth of the sector but explained that it has undertaken a programme of education activities, which included:

  • Publishing a video for vape retailers informing them of their takeback requirements.
  • Working with independent not-for-profit, Material Focus, on a retailer briefing guide which has been downloaded over 3,000 times.
  • Providing technical input in Association of Convenience stores (ACS) guidance on vape takeback requirements, distributed to 49,000 members in 2024.
  • Providing intervention in the form of advice and guidance to 23 national businesses with large numbers of outlets between 2022 and May 2024.

“It’s great to see that the OPSS is working hard to educate vape retailers on their environmental responsibilities, and this is something that needs to continue, but businesses in breach of their obligations need to face the consequences,” John Dunne, director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association, said.

“We are seeing the same enforcement issues when it comes to retailers selling vapes to minors. The Environment Agency tells us that the amount of fines that can be handed out are unlimited, so let’s put this policy into practice.”

Dunne welcomed the introduction of vape licensing in the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill and said they would continue to campaign for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to have powers where they only grant vape product notifications for brands who can prove they are registered with one of the producer compliance schemes.

“One of the challenges that we face is that the organisation registering for a Producer Compliance scheme may be a distributor or an importer on behalf of a number of brands, making it difficult to see which manufacturers maybe breaking the law. It’s therefore key we understand who they’re representing,” Dunne added.

“We will be working with the regulators and our members to identify those businesses who are compliant and those that are not so appropriate action can be taken."

The FOI investigation follows the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ consultation on ‘reforming the producer responsibility system for waste electrical and electronic equipment’ – the recommendations from which are expected to be released in the coming months.

It also comes ahead of the ban on disposable vapes, which will take effect from June 2025 and is predicted to have major implications for the waste management chain.

More for you

Holyrood can boost growth through small retail in Budget – SGF

iStock

Holyrood can boost growth through small retail in Budget – SGF

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF), the Trade Association for the Scottish Convenience sector, said that small retailers are desperate to invest in their businesses, and take advantage of new technologies and sustainable practices, but many stores are now struggling to stay viable.

SGF has called on the Scottish Finance Secretary to ensure that 40% reliefs on Non-Domestic Rates announced for retail businesses south of the border are passed on to Scottish stores. Alongside the extra reliefs, SGF say that the Scottish Government should focus on growth by ringfencing funding through the Small Business Bonus Scheme and freezing poundage for the foreseeable future.

“The Scottish Government has a real opportunity to boost growth in communities across Scotland, and help rejuvenate town centres, by passing on the NDR reliefs announced by the Chancellor," said SGF Chief Executive, Dr Pete Cheema OBE.

“In past years, convenience stores in England have benefited from 75 per cent reliefs, that support has dropped to 40 per cent this year, but it could still be crucial in helping put the Scottish Economy back on track.

“Many SGF members, and small store across Scotland, are facing a raft of challenges. Alongside increases to National Insurance Contributions, hire wage rates, higher inflation, energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis. Not to mention a pile on of regulation across a range of product categories.

“Scottish Businesses have been operating at an economic disadvantage to our counterparts in England. Sorting out the damaging impact of business rates on economic growth and small business in Scotland is a no brainer.”

SGF has also called for an uplift for Police Scotland and Scottish Justice to help tackle the sharp increase in retail crime which is having a significant impact on business viability.

Allwyn appoints Alison Acquaye-Acford Director Of Commercial Partnerships & Retail Sales

Alison Acquaye-Acford

Allwyn appoints Alison Acquaye-Acford Director Of Commercial Partnerships & Retail Sales

Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, today announces the appointment of Alison Acquaye-Acford as Director of Commercial Partnerships and Retail Sales.

With a career in retail spanning almost three decades, Alison joins Allwyn from Acosta Europe where, in her role as Business Unit Director, she was responsible for transforming the growth of client brands including Red Bull. She also spearheaded various revenue-driving projects that contributed to Acosta’s most successful year yet.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Climate activists march on a street
Climate activists march on a street to demand stronger global commitments to fight plastic waste at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5), in Busan, South Korea, November 23, 2024
REUTERS/Minwoo Park

Countries fail to reach agreement in UN plastic talks

Countries negotiating a global treaty to curb plastic pollution failed to reach agreement on Monday, with more than 100 nations wanting to cap production while a handful of oil-producers were prepared only to target plastic waste.

The fifth UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) meeting intended to yield a legally binding global treaty in Busan, South Korea, was meant to be the final one.

Keep ReadingShow less
napa valley vineyard

In an aerial view, fall foliage is visible as grape vine leaves change colors at a vineyard on November 14, 2024 in Napa, California.

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Global wine output to hit lowest level since 1961

Global wine production is set to fall again this year to its lowest level since 1961 due to climate change, the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) said Friday.

Output is estimated to reach between 227 million and 235 million hectolitres in 29 countries accounting for 85 percent of global production, according to the intergovernmental organisation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Supreme buys Typhoo Tea out of administration for £10m

Supreme buys Typhoo Tea out of administration for £10m

Britain's Supreme has bought out loss-making tea brand Typhoo Tea from administration in a 10.2 million pound deal, the fast-moving consumer products seller said on Monday (2).

The 120-year-old tea brand had fallen into administration in November due to declining sales and mounting debt pressures. A break-in at its Merseyside factory in August 2023 exacerbated the company's cost pressures, and the site was subsequently shuttered.

Keep ReadingShow less