Dozens of illegal e-cigarettes have been seized by trading standards officers after they were found being sold in shops.

The team at Medway Council is now warning businesses selling such items to make sure they are not breaking the law after the discoveries in several shops in Gillingham.

In the past week, the Trading Standards department have taken 150 disposable e-cigarettes off the shelves which did not meet legal requirements.

Some of the products had incorrect labelling and tanks up to three times the legal limit of 2ml.

Other devices also lacked information on nicotine content, sufficient health warnings compliant with UK law or the details of the manufacturer or UK-based importer to contact in the case of a safety issue.

Most of the products were found to have been designed according to rules in place in the USA which have different laws surrounding the sale of e-cigarettes and e-liquids.

The trading standards team were reportedly told by shop owners they have been approached by mobile sellers often selling the items from vans.

Cllr Jane Chitty, Medway Council’s portfolio holder responsible for trading standards, said: “The health and wellbeing of all our residents is our top priority and I would implore retailers to remain vigilant and check that the e-cigarettes and e-liquids that they may have on sale meet government requirements.

"Businesses are advised to only buy products from reputable suppliers and if they are unsure, they are encouraged to contact our Trading Standards team for advice.

"I would like to thank our dedicated Trading Standards officers for their hard work protecting residents.”

Residents and businesses with concerns about the safety or legality of e-cigarettes and e-liquids can contact Medway’s Trading Standards team by emailing consumer.protection@medway.gov.uk or calling 0808 223 1133 or visit medway.gov.uk/tradingstandards

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