Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of US tariffs on Chinese vape products on the level of illegal Chinese vapes entering the UK.

We are closely monitoring the impact of the tariffs introduced by the United States, and are prepared to act in the best interests of the United Kingdom, as shown through the Economic Prosperity Deal signed with the US in May. No assessment has been made of the specific impact of US tariffs on Chinese exports of vapes to the UK.

The Government is concerned about the access to and availability of vapes to children. This is why, alongside the measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, the Government is investing £10 million of new funding in 2025/26 in Trading Standards. This will support the enforcement of illicit and underage tobacco and vape sales in England and the implementation of the measures in the bill.

Furthermore, in October 2026, we are introducing a new Vaping Products Duty which will provide civil and criminal powers for HM Revenue and Customs to assess for duty and seize products and equipment used to produce or transport illicit products.