Staffordshire County Council's Trading Standards service has seized over 18,000 illegal vapes worth approximately £250,000 in the past year, as the fight against illicit vaping products continues.
The seizures come a year after the ban on disposable single-use vapes was introduced in June 2025. While the ban has reduced the sale of legal disposable vapes, illegal products remain a significant enforcement challenge for Trading Standards officers.
Enforcement Action Continues
Officers also worked with Staffordshire Police and district and borough colleagues to close 13 premises selling illicit tobacco goods during the same period.
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said: "The ban on disposable vapes introduced a year ago was an important step in protecting our communities, but there is still more work to do. This latest result demonstrates our determination to tackle illicit trade, protect consumers and support businesses that operate within the law. Those who seek to profit from illegal products at the expense of public health, community wellbeing and our environment should be in no doubt that enforcement action will be taken."
Supporting Legal Retailers and Young People
Trading Standards officers work with retailers to ensure they understand their legal responsibilities, including operating effective age verification policies to prevent sales to under 18s.
The service also supports education and prevention activity with public health and community safety partners to raise awareness of the health risks associated with vaping among children and young people.
People can report concerns to Trading Standards on the confidential helpline on 01785 330356 or via the Trading Standards webpage.