The Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) has launched a voluntary code of conduct to regulate the vape sector. The code contains existing measures, plus rules that the government may introduce as laws to restrict youth access to vapes next year. 

Unveiled at a parliamentary reception on 11 December, the code has been signed by major vape companies including Elfbar and Lost Mary. 

At the reception, Kate Pike, lead officer for the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said: “Retailers and producers are responsible for ensuring that only legal products are sold and for ensuring children don’t buy vapes, and the law is very clear.” 

The code covers flavour descriptors and names, and agrees to introduce measures to reduce supply of products to retailers who do not have experience in selling age-restricted items, or who have no strict age-verification protocols. 

Read more: Unlimited fines for stores with no vape ‘take-back’ scheme

In anticipation of likely measures from the government consultation on restricting disposable vapes, Eve Peters, director of government affairs and spokesperson for Elfbar UK, told Better Retailing she is “very supportive” of a retail licensing system. 

Elfbar released a statement supporting restrictions on the display of vapes in stores, too, but added it is “vital that vape products are not categorised in the same way as tobacco by being placed completely out of sight”. 

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