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CTSI helps to secure vital investment for Trading Standards
Posted 24/03/25
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is delighted to announce the securing of much-needed investment of £10 million from the UK Government for Trading Standards services across England. The investment comes as part of the UK Government’s regulatory ambitions in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
CTSI and partners, including National Trading Standards, have emphasised the importance of additional resourcing being made available to Trading Standards and key partners, to ensure the effective enforcement of current and future regulations on tobacco and vapes.
This welcome investment acknowledges and strengthens Trading Standards’ position as being crucial to effectively protect consumers from the harms of illegal tobacco and vapes. The investment will bolster local Trading Standards operations by funding approximately 80 more apprentice enforcement officers. It is also a critical step in the move to create a smokefree UK. Trading Standards are at the heart of stopping harmful tobacco and vape products finding their way into neighbourhood shops, undermining both consumer confidence and economic growth at a local and national level. The funding will also be used to stop underage sales of these products, showing Trading Standards vital role in protecting public health.
John Herriman, Chief Executive at CTSI, said: “CTSI welcomes this much-needed investment for Trading Standards services across England, which will strengthen our ability to protect public health and support businesses in complying with current and future tobacco and vaping regulations. The investment partly addresses CTSI’s calls for additional resourcing in Trading Standards to enforce the measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. CTSI would welcome similar investment for colleagues in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.”
Kate Pike, CTSI Lead Officer for Tobacco and Vaping, said: “This investment in Trading Standards will support the continued efforts of Trading Standards professionals across the UK to protect consumers from the harms of illegal tobacco and vapes. Targeted activities, such as with Operation Joseph, has seen the removal of 1.19million illegal vapes in 2023-24 alone, protecting consumers from harm and showcasing the role local Trading Standards services play in tackling practices that cause economic detriment. That said, it is vital that sustained resources are made available to Trading Standards across the UK.”
Lord Michael Bichard, Chair, National Trading Standards, said: "Illicit tobacco and vape products are prevalent in our communities, trapping people – including children and young people – in a dangerous cycle of addiction that could endure for another generation.
“The scourge of illicit nicotine products are largely powered by organised crime, and the products represent an important money-spinner that help fund organised crime groups’ other illegal schemes, such as human trafficking and modern slavery.
“While Trading Standards seized more than a million illegal vapes, 19 million counterfeit cigarettes and 5,103kg of illicit hand rolling tobacco last year, further action and resources are needed by enforcement bodies to disrupt supply and clamp down on the perpetrators. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is an important step in the right direction, providing more resources to a stretched Trading Standards workforce who, alongside other enforcement partners, are working hard to help the government meet its aims for a smoke-free generation."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)
- The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is a national not for profit established in 1881 which supports the UK’s trading standards profession and works to protect consumers and safeguard honest businesses. CTSI's members are engaged in delivering frontline trading standards services at local authorities and in businesses. www.tradingstandards.uk
- Please contact CTSI Press Office: [email protected] for any queries.
- CTSI has called for resourcing to made available to Trading Standards to ensure the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is effectively enforced:
- https://www.tradingstandards.uk/news-policy-campaigns/news-room/2024/ctsi-responds-to-the-tobacco-and-vapes-bill/
- Operation Joseph: Intelligence gathering and national projects to tackle the supply of illicit vaping products. Operation Joseph is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and has been running since July 2023.
- The UK Government’s announcement of the investment can be read, here.
