Trading Standards, in collaboration with Public Health, conducted visits to 54 retailers from April 2024 to March 2025. During this period, illegal vapes were discovered in 27 stores, with notable findings in various locations, including Oxford, Banbury, and Abingdon. This resulted in the seizure of 4,398 products, as reported by Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s annual publication.
Matthew Barber, Police & Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, expressed satisfaction that these illegal vapes were being taken off the shelves before potentially influencing children’s lives. Several stores within the county have faced license revocations due to the possession of illegal tobacco and vapes. Notably, a retail outlet in Oxford had its license revoked after authorities discovered over 200 unauthorized e-cigarettes and non-compliant nicotine pouches.
The council has confirmed the existence of 24 ongoing cases regarding the seizure of illegal vapes, currently under judicial review or investigation. Starting June 1, a ban on single-use disposable vapes was implemented with the objective of preventing youth vaping and reducing landfill waste.
Barber added, “I welcome the statistics released, highlighting the seizure of almost 4,400 illegal vapes by Trading Standards over the past year. It is promising to see that, in partnership with Public Health, Trading Standards are actively inspecting retailers and removing illegal supplies before they can affect our children.”
He further mentioned that with the new UK-wide ban on disposable vapes now in place, alongside the environmental benefits, they hope it will further limit young people’s access to vapes. Thames Valley Police, together with Trading Standards, continue their efforts to safeguard children and young people from illegal vapes and cigarettes.
In addition to vapes, Trading Standards has confiscated 15,780 illegal cigarettes, 3,150g of illegal hand-rolling tobacco, and 47,749g of illegal waterpipe tobacco in Oxfordshire throughout the year.
A county council spokesperson stated, “We urge the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help eliminate illegal tobacco, promoting a healthier and safer environment in Oxfordshire. For those struggling with tobacco addiction, support is available. Services like Smokefree Oxfordshire offer free assistance to all county residents, increasing the chances of successfully quitting tobacco.”
For more information, individuals are encouraged to report any illegal tobacco sales to the hotline at 0300 999 6 999 or anonymously via the website stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.
