33% of vape test purchases sold illegally as Trading Standards cuts staff
A review of 422 test buys found one in three retailers sold disposable vapes to minors, while funding cuts have slashed Trading Standards resources.
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The Chartered Trading Standards Institute reported that illegal sales occurred in 33% of 422 test purchases of disposable vapes made by young people in London. The finding comes as the Tobacco and Vapes Act, enacted in May 2026, requires every vape retailer to hold a licence, a duty that will be policed by already stretched Trading Standards officers.
Test purchase findings
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Test purchases were carried out by mystery shoppers aged between 11 and 17 who attempted to buy disposable vaping devices from a range of shops. In a third of the attempts, shop staff completed the sale without asking for proof of age. The result shows that many retailers are either unaware of the law or are turning a blind eye to under‑age customers.
Funding cuts and staffing
John Herriman, chief executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said the service has been hit hard by austerity. He noted that funding was cut by 23% between 2010 and 2025 and that staff numbers fell by 39% over the same period. In some boroughs, such as Enfield, the team was reduced to a single officer before numbers began to recover.
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Trading standards has been hit by austerity hard because of the budget cutbacks that have impacted local government essentially.
John Herriman, chief executive, Chartered Trading Standards Institute
New licensing scheme
The Tobacco and Vapes Act introduces a compulsory licensing system for all outlets that sell vaping products. Licences will be issued by local authorities but monitored by Trading Standards teams. The scheme aims to curb youth access by ensuring retailers are vetted and that sales are checked regularly.
What residents can do
Consumers who suspect illegal sales can report incidents to their borough’s Trading Standards office. The service can seize unlawful stock and issue closure notices to repeat offenders. Public health officials, including Professor Kevin Fenton and ASH policy manager John Waldron, urge parents and schools to discuss the risks of vaping with young people.
Questions this report answers
+What proportion of test purchases resulted in illegal vape sales?
The review found that 33% of the 422 test purchases of disposable vapes were sold illegally to under‑18 shoppers. This indicates that roughly one in three attempts to buy a vape by a minor succeeded without age verification.
+How much has Trading Standards funding been cut since 2010?
Funding for Trading Standards fell by 23% between 2010 and 2025, according to chief executive John Herriman. The reduction has contributed to a 39% drop in staff numbers over the same period, limiting enforcement capacity.
+What does the Tobacco and Vapes Act require of vape retailers?
The Act, passed in May 2026, mandates a mandatory licensing scheme for all retailers that sell vaping products. Licences are issued by local authorities and enforced by Trading Standards, aiming to prevent sales to under‑age customers.
+How many Trading Standards officers are there in London?
London has fewer than 2,500 Trading Standards officers who are tasked with enforcing about 300 pieces of legislation. The limited number of officers means they must prioritise cases, which can leave areas like youth vaping under‑policed.
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