Latest news with #TRPR
Yahoo
07-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nicotine pouches mimicking kid's sweets sold in Glasgow shop
Extra-strong nicotine products, presented with "eye-catching designs" that mimic children's sweets, are being sold in a Glasgow shop, according to an undercover report. BBC Scotland's investigation found that these nicotine pouches, which potentially are "ten times the strength of cigarettes," are openly available for purchase. The shop employee claimed the pouches contained 100mg of nicotine; however, tests revealed a lower level of 17mg, still categorised as extra strong by most legitimate manufacturers. READ MORE: Parents warned shops are legally selling addictive nicotine pouches to children These findings highlight concerns regarding the sale of such addictive products, which are marketed using colourful packaging and sweet flavours that appeal to minors. These products, termed a "worrying child appeal" by Trading Standards, are often placed in plain sight at the front of check-out areas in stores. Nicotine pouches, also known as snus, are small sachets containing nicotine, flavourings, sweeteners, and plant-based fibres, which are inserted under the upper lip to allow nicotine absorption through the gum. They are available in flavours similar to those of vapes, including tropical mango, very berry, and cherry ice. Despite being deemed less harmful than smoking or vaping, these pouches can cause numerous side effects like nicotine addiction, oral health issues, gastrointestinal problems, gum irritation, increased heart rate, blood pressure, and a heightened risk of cardiovascular diseases. Unlike cigarettes and vapes, nicotine pouches are not governed by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR), but rather the less strict General Products Safety Regulations 2005 (GPSR). This indicates that these products can be widely sold in stores and online, often with no age restriction. READ MORE: Trio behind bars after police uncover £1.8m cannabis factory The BBC's reporter managed to buy a tub of orange-flavoured "Millions" pouches for £7.50, which lacked all the required hazard warnings and manufacturer details, during the investigation. The design on the tub was a direct rip-off of the "Millions" sweets branding, produced by Golden Casket Ltd, a Scottish confectionery manufacturer. Golden Casket Ltd said they were "appalled" at their branding being used in such a manner. Another brand called "Candys," with gummy bear illustrations, was also found for sale. Kate Pike, from the Chartered Institute of Trading Standards, said: "It was 'outrageous' that products were mimicking popular sweet brands in a bid to target children." BBC Scotland's investigation has led to the retailer removing the "Millions" product from its shelves. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently passing through Parliament, aims to address this concern by making it illegal to sell nicotine pouches to individuals under 18. The bill also proposes powers to restrict the use of child-appealing flavours, packaging, and advertising, and dictate the placement of these products in stores. The loopholes that currently allow children to buy these products have resulted in widespread reports from across the UK. READ MORE: Police reveal outcome of huge fire that tore through historic church Young users, such as Alex, who began using nicotine pouches at school aged 15, have reported addiction, with consumption reaching as many as 15 pouches a day. British American Tobacco, Phillip Morris, and Japan Tobacco International, some of the largest nicotine pouch manufacturers, have all voiced their support for the forthcoming legislation. With the government tightening the rules surrounding the sale of nicotine pouches, it is hoped that this new legislation will help curb the recent surge in young people becoming hooked on these addictive products.
Glasgow Times
07-08-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Extra-strong nicotine pouches sold in Glasgow shops
BBC Scotland's investigation found that these nicotine pouches, which potentially are "ten times the strength of cigarettes," are openly available for purchase. The shop employee claimed the pouches contained 100mg of nicotine; however, tests revealed a lower level of 17mg, still categorised as extra strong by most legitimate manufacturers. READ MORE: Parents warned shops are legally selling addictive nicotine pouches to children These findings highlight concerns regarding the sale of such addictive products, which are marketed using colourful packaging and sweet flavours that appeal to minors. These products, termed a "worrying child appeal" by Trading Standards, are often placed in plain sight at the front of check-out areas in stores. Nicotine pouches, also known as snus, are small sachets containing nicotine, flavourings, sweeteners, and plant-based fibres, which are inserted under the upper lip to allow nicotine absorption through the gum. They are available in flavours similar to those of vapes, including tropical mango, very berry, and cherry ice. Despite being deemed less harmful than smoking or vaping, these pouches can cause numerous side effects like nicotine addiction, oral health issues, gastrointestinal problems, gum irritation, increased heart rate, blood pressure, and a heightened risk of cardiovascular diseases. Unlike cigarettes and vapes, nicotine pouches are not governed by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR), but rather the less strict General Products Safety Regulations 2005 (GPSR). This indicates that these products can be widely sold in stores and online, often with no age restriction. READ MORE: Trio behind bars after police uncover £1.8m cannabis factory The BBC's reporter managed to buy a tub of orange-flavoured "Millions" pouches for £7.50, which lacked all the required hazard warnings and manufacturer details, during the investigation. The design on the tub was a direct rip-off of the "Millions" sweets branding, produced by Golden Casket Ltd, a Scottish confectionery manufacturer. Golden Casket Ltd said they were "appalled" at their branding being used in such a manner. Another brand called "Candys," with gummy bear illustrations, was also found for sale. Kate Pike, from the Chartered Institute of Trading Standards, said: "It was 'outrageous' that products were mimicking popular sweet brands in a bid to target children." BBC Scotland's investigation has led to the retailer removing the "Millions" product from its shelves. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently passing through Parliament, aims to address this concern by making it illegal to sell nicotine pouches to individuals under 18. The bill also proposes powers to restrict the use of child-appealing flavours, packaging, and advertising, and dictate the placement of these products in stores. The loopholes that currently allow children to buy these products have resulted in widespread reports from across the UK. READ MORE: Police reveal outcome of huge fire that tore through historic church Young users, such as Alex, who began using nicotine pouches at school aged 15, have reported addiction, with consumption reaching as many as 15 pouches a day. British American Tobacco, Phillip Morris, and Japan Tobacco International, some of the largest nicotine pouch manufacturers, have all voiced their support for the forthcoming legislation. With the government tightening the rules surrounding the sale of nicotine pouches, it is hoped that this new legislation will help curb the recent surge in young people becoming hooked on these addictive products.
Daily Record
07-08-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Nicotine pouches packaged like kid's sweets sold in Glasgow shop
An undercover reporter was able to buy nicotine pouches which can be up to 'ten times the strength of cigarettes' Nicotine pouches up to "ten times the strength of cigarettes" and packaged like children's sweets are openly being sold in Scots shops, according to a damning new undercover report. Extra-strength nicotine products with "eye-catching designs" made to attract young children, including some copying the logos of much-loved sweet brands, are readily available to buy, BBC Scotland reported. It comes after a Disclosure reporter, filming undercover, was able to purchase nicotine pouches imitating the name and branding of the popular 'Millions' sweets in a shop in the east end of Glasgow. The shop worker who sold the pouches claimed they contained 100mg of nicotine, which would make them about 10 times the strength of a cigarette. Tests later showed a lower level of 17mg, which most legitimate manufacturers would still class as extra strong. Trading Standards previously said nicotine pouches "are the latest example, with slick marketing, sweet flavours and colourful packaging that risk appealing to young people, whether intended or not." However, they are technically legal for kids to buy, as there is no law restricting the age of sale for nicotine pouches. Nicotine pouches are small products containing nicotine, flavourings, sweeteners, and plant-based fibres. Otherwise known as snus, they are placed under the upper lip, allowing nicotine to be absorbed through the gum, and are available in flavours similar to those of vapes including tropical mango, very berry and cherry ice. The pouches are thought to be less harmful than smoking or vaping but they can cause a variety of side effects, like nicotine addiction, oral health issues and gastrointestinal problems. People may experience gum irritation and recession, increased heart rate, blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular diseases. Nicotine pouches are more easily available to buy than vapes and cigarettes, as they don't fall under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR). Instead, like nicotine-free vapes, they are covered by the less-strict General Products Safety Regulations 2005 (GPSR). This means that nicotine pouches are currently widely available in store and online and aren't always restricted to over 18s. These regulations also don't have strong rules around advertising or packaging. Trading Standards officers have found that nicotine pouches are now in plain sight at the front of the check-out areas in stores. Kate Pike, from the Chartered Institute of Trading Standards, told the BBC it was "outrageous" that products were mimicking popular sweet brands in a bid to target children. Nicotine Pouches: What's the Problem?, the BBC Disclosure documentary, saw a reporter buying a tub of orange-flavoured Millions pouches for £7.50. The shop worker who sold the product told her: "They're special." The product was missing all of the required hazard warnings and did not have traceable manufacturer details. The design on the tub featured photos of the Millions sweets, made by Scottish confectionery manufacturer Golden Casket Ltd. They told the BBC they had no connection to nicotine pouches and were "appalled" their branding was being used in this way. Another brand called 'Candys', with pictures of gummy bears, was also for sale. The makers of the Candys brand did not respond. The retailer told the BBC it had now pulled the Millions product off its shelves. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. In order to tackle this recently-emerged threat to young people, a new Tobacco and Vapes Bill is currently making its way through Parliament, and it will outlaw the selling of nicotine pouches to those under the age of 18. The new Bill will also introduce powers to restrict the use of child-appealing flavours, packaging and advertising and dictate where they can be placed in shops.
Daily Record
16-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
'Addictive' nicotine pouches sold to children are replacing disposable vapes
While disposable vapes are now banned, kids are turning to equally attractive nicotine pouches- which they can technically buy legally. Since the UK ban on disposable vapes came into place in June to protect children from becoming addicted, a new trendy nicotine product has reared its ugly head. With sweet flavours and colourful packaging, nicotine pouches are equally attractive to children. But there are currently very few regulations on the selling of them. Nicotine pouches are small products containing nicotine, flavourings, sweeteners, and plant-based fibres. They are placed under the upper lip, allowing nicotine to be absorbed through the gum, and are available in flavours similar to those of vapes including tropical mango, very berry and cherry ice. While they are thought to be less harmful than smoking or vaping, the long-term health effects of using these products is not yet known. And they are technically legal for kids to buy. Nicotine pouches are more easily available to buy than vapes and cigarettes, as they don't fall under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR). Instead, like nicotine-free vapes, they are covered by the less-strict General Products Safety Regulations 2005 (GPSR). This means that nicotine pouches are currently widely available in store and online and aren't always restricted to over 18s. These regulations also don't have strong rules around advertising or packaging. While Trading Standards officers are currently ensuring that businesses are no longer selling single-use vapes, they have found that nicotine pouches are now in plain sight at the front of the check-out areas in stores. This, along with their sweet-like flavours and bright packaging, is causing increasing concern about their attractiveness to children. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is calling for all nicotine products to be kept out of children's reach. Duncan Stephenson, Policy and External Affairs Director at CTSI, said: 'While Trading Standards is working to ensure that the ban on single disposable vapes is in place, we are coming across new and emerging threats. "It very much feels like a game of whack-a-mole - just as one product is dealt with, another emerges - the availability of potentially harmful products being promoted and sold to our children seems never ending. "Nicotine pouches are the latest example, with slick marketing, sweet flavours and colourful packaging that risk appealing to young people, whether intended or not." In order to tackle this recently-emerged threat to young people and schoolkids, a new Tobacco and Vapes Bill is currently making its way through Parliament, and it will outlaw the selling of nicotine pouches to those under the age of 18. The new Bill will also introduce powers to restrict the use of child-appealing flavours, packaging and advertising and dictate where they can be placed in shops. But some believe that despite the Bill, the government is not taking quick enough action to tackle the growing problem of children being sold nicotine pouches. Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive at Action on Smoking and Health said: 'The government has all the tools needed to address youth appeal and use of nicotine pouches in legislation before parliament. But parliamentary time has not been found to progress this legislation since April. "In the meantime, companies, who know their marketing practices will eventually be restricted, are continuing to heavily promote pouches in ways that appeal to children. While they are likely to be very much less harmful than smoking, they contain nicotine which is addictive, and the long-term health impacts are not known.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Time Business News
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Sales Audits: Ensuring Ongoing UK Vape Compliance
In the United Kingdom's vape industry, compliance is not a one-time checkpoint—it is a continuous obligation. Sales audits have emerged as a vital mechanism to ensure that vape businesses remain aligned with complex and evolving regulatory frameworks. From age-verification protocols to product packaging requirements, UK retailers and wholesalers must demonstrate diligence at every transaction point. A comprehensive audit process identifies risks, reinforces accountability, and builds a compliant infrastructure that can withstand both routine scrutiny and legislative change. For retailers aiming to stay ahead in the competitive vape market, securing large quantities of stock at discounted rates is a smart move. This approach ensures consistent availability for customers while maximizing profit margins. Among the most effective strategies is to bulk buy vapes, which not only reduces per-unit cost but also simplifies inventory management. With consumer demand constantly evolving, having a diverse selection readily available strengthens customer loyalty. Additionally, bulk purchasing allows for better forecasting and promotional planning, giving retailers the flexibility to respond to trends swiftly. In today's fast-paced retail environment, smart stock strategies are essential. Sales audits are structured evaluations of a business's sales operations, focusing specifically on adherence to legal and internal standards. In the UK vape sector, they typically assess: Age verification processes Product tracking and traceability Sales records and VAT reporting Accuracy of product labelling and nicotine content declarations Promotional practices within legal bounds Unlike financial audits, which are retrospective, sales audits are often proactive and preventative. They aim to identify compliance gaps before they result in penalties, suspensions, or reputational damage. UK vape regulations are governed primarily by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR) and enforced by agencies such as Trading Standards and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). A sales audit will verify that: Only MHRA-notified vape products are being sold Packaging includes all required warnings, nicotine limits, and ingredient disclosures No product exceeds the 2ml e-liquid tank capacity or 20mg/ml nicotine strength limit Retailers implement and document a Challenge 25 policy Promotional materials comply with advertising restrictions, particularly around youth appeal Failure in any of these areas could result in heavy fines, confiscation of inventory, or criminal liability—making audits essential for risk mitigation. Effective sales audits rely on thorough record-keeping. Vape retailers must be able to produce documentation proving that: Staff have been trained in compliance protocols Age verification systems (in-person or digital) are consistently applied Sales data is accurately captured through POS and CRM systems Supplier invoices correspond with MHRA-compliant product codes Maintaining detailed and accessible logs allows businesses to respond confidently to inspections and verify their adherence to regulation. Inadequate records often suggest deeper operational negligence. Sales audits also focus on employee awareness. Even the most well-intentioned business can fall out of compliance if frontline staff aren't trained to enforce protocols. Audit teams may assess: Knowledge of nicotine limits and product categories Familiarity with ID checking procedures Understanding of the penalties for non-compliance Providing ongoing training and conducting internal mystery shopper exercises strengthens audit results and embeds a culture of responsibility throughout the team. For e-commerce vape retailers in the UK, audits extend beyond the physical point of sale. Online compliance includes: Age verification systems compliant with PAS 1296 standards Legally compliant product imagery and descriptions SSL encryption and secure checkout processes Transparent terms of service and refund policies An online vape business must show that it prevents underage access just as stringently as a brick-and-mortar shop. Sales audits for digital operations may also inspect delivery partner policies to ensure age checks are enforced upon delivery. As compliance demands intensify, many vape businesses now partner with external auditing firms or legal consultants to conduct annual or bi-annual sales audits. These third parties bring unbiased scrutiny and stay up-to-date with emerging regulatory changes. External audits can provide: Comprehensive checklists tailored to vape regulations Gap analysis with clear corrective action plans Documentation to support defence in the event of enforcement action Such services also help businesses prepare for unannounced inspections from Trading Standards or MHRA officials. Modern vape retailers can streamline audits using tech tools that track and report compliance data in real time. Integrated POS systems log age verification attempts, sales records, and SKU performance, while CRM platforms document customer engagement and marketing consent. Audit-specific software can automate reporting, flag anomalies, and generate compliance dashboards. These digital systems reduce human error and enable fast response when discrepancies are detected. An audit is only as valuable as the corrective actions it inspires. Once issues are identified—be it mislabelled stock, lapses in age verification, or undocumented procedures—businesses must act swiftly. Establishing a formal process for implementing audit recommendations, retraining staff, and updating SOPs ensures ongoing compliance. It also demonstrates good faith in the eyes of regulators, potentially mitigating penalties in case of future violations. As the vaping industry evolves, businesses across the UK are recognizing the advantages of scaling through bulk purchasing. Retailers and distributors are tapping into broader product ranges, ensuring they meet customer demand with competitive pricing and quick restocks. In particular, vape wholesale UK continues to gain momentum as more shops shift from small orders to large-scale inventory solutions. This approach helps improve profit margins while staying ahead in a competitive market. With access to new brands, trending flavours, and exclusive deals, wholesalers are becoming the backbone of retail success in the vaping sector across the United Kingdom. Sales audits are indispensable for ensuring ongoing compliance in the UK vape industry. With tight regulations and increasing public scrutiny, businesses cannot afford to be reactive. Regular internal and external audits not only protect against fines and shutdowns but also reinforce operational integrity. In a sector where legal precision is as crucial as product quality, audits are not just due diligence—they are strategic safeguards for sustainable success. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
