CTSI helps to secure vital investment for Trading Standards

The investment comes as part of the UK government’s regulatory ambitions in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

CTSI and partners, including National Trading Standards, have emphasised the importance of additional resourcing being made available to Trading Standards and key partners, to ensure the effective enforcement of current and future regulations on tobacco and vapes.

CTSI said this investment acknowledges and strengthens Trading Standards’ position as being crucial to effectively protect consumers from the harms of illegal tobacco and vapes.

The investment will bolster local Trading Standards operations by funding approximately 80 more apprentice enforcement officers.

Trading Standards is at the heart of stopping harmful tobacco and vape products finding their way into neighbourhood shops, undermining both consumer confidence and economic growth at a local and national level.

The funding will also be used to stop underage sales of these products, showing Trading Standards vital role in protecting public health.

John Herriman, chief executive at CTSI, said: “CTSI welcomes this much-needed investment for Trading Standards services across England, which will strengthen our ability to protect public health and support businesses in complying with current and future tobacco and vaping regulations.

“The investment partly addresses CTSI’s calls for additional resourcing in Trading Standards to enforce the measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. CTSI would welcome similar investment for colleagues in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.”

Kate Pike, CTSI lead officer for Tobacco and Vaping, said: “This investment in Trading Standards will support the continued efforts of Trading Standards professionals across the UK to protect consumers from the harms of illegal tobacco and vapes.

“Targeted activities, such as with Operation Joseph, has seen the removal of 1.19million illegal vapes in 2023-24 alone, protecting consumers from harm and showcasing the role local Trading Standards services play in tackling practices that cause economic detriment. That said, it is vital that sustained resources are made available to Trading Standards across the UK.”

Lord Michael Bichard, chair, National Trading Standards, said: “Illicit tobacco and vape products are prevalent in our communities, trapping people – including children and young people – in a dangerous cycle of addiction that could endure for another generation.

“The scourge of illicit nicotine products are largely powered by organised crime, and the products represent an important money-spinner that help fund organised crime groups’ other illegal schemes, such as human trafficking and modern slavery.

“While Trading Standards seized more than a million illegal vapes, 19 million counterfeit cigarettes and 5,103kg of illicit hand rolling tobacco last year, further action and resources are needed by enforcement bodies to disrupt supply and clamp down on the perpetrators.

“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is an important step in the right direction, providing more resources to a stretched Trading Standards workforce who, alongside other enforcement partners, are working hard to help the government meet its aims for a smoke-free generation.”