The government's new Nicotine Approval Scheme, announced in the recent Budget to tackle illegal vapes, has been criticised by Philip Morris International (PMI) for failing to address the real problem of dodgy imports.
Consultation on High-Strength Nicotine Controls
The government is consulting on controls for activities involving high-strength nicotine, welcoming views from affected organisations. The consultation covers the nicotine threshold, controlled activities, exemptions, approval conditions, record-keeping, enforcement and implementation. Responses will inform the final policy design and future legislation.
As it stands, only approved businesses would be allowed to supply the strong, concentrated nicotine used to make vape liquid, cutting off illegal producers who mix their own in the UK.
PMI Says Scheme Misses the Real Problem
According to Philip Morris International, the scheme does nothing about illegal vapes shipped in ready-made from abroad, or the shops that sell them. Those are the rules out for consultation now, with the scheme due to start in April 2028.
Peter Nixon, Philip Morris International, managing director UK and Ireland, commented: “Unregulated vapes are flooding Britain’s high streets, yet the proposed Nicotine Approval Scheme fails to tackle the real problem of dodgy imports.”
He added: “What is needed is properly resourced enforcement and swift introduction of licensing to hold rogue retailers to account.”
