Trading standards clamps down on illegal vapes in Wandsworth

Clapham Mobile X Vape was first visited by Trading Standards following a complaint from a member of the public alleging that they were selling vapes to underage customers. On inspection, officers seized 600 vapes as well as 14 electric travel adapters that were all suspected to be non-compliant.   

Investigations revealed that the company did not appear to have made basic safety checks on the goods as there had been four relevant alerts published on the EU Safety Gate website regarding chemical risks posed by some of the vapes seized. The company was unable to produce any invoices for the goods and said that they were bought from a travelling salesperson without paperwork.   

Lavender Hill Magistrates Court imposed fines totalling £8,000 and ordered the company to pay full prosecution costs of £5,610.84. The Court also ordered the seized vapes and travel chargers to be destroyed.   

Graeme Henderson, Cabinet Member for Health, said: 

“The sale of illegal vapes poses a significant safety risk for our community. I’m glad to see our Trading Standards Officers doing an excellent job of rooting out businesses that knowingly break the law. The outcome of this case sends a clear message that we will use the full extent of the law to keep Wandsworth residents safe.” 

Anyone with a concern about unsafe or non-compliant vapes or other trading standards issues can report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 who will pass details to the relevant trading standards service.  

Wandsworth businesses can request advice on trading standards matters, including vapes, by contacting trading.standards@merton.gov.uk.