We have been contacted by a law firm who are running a campaign to stop the sales and use of SDI batteries in vaping devices or e-cigarettes. This is due to the very serious risk of explosion and fire causing property damage personal injury, and even death.
They are asking businesses to do three things:
- Stop selling – Stop selling SDI batteries for use in E-Cigar Devices. Businesses that sell for approved practices as well as for use in E-Cigar Devices must put in place checks to ensure sales are not made to any vape businesses as well as displaying responsible product listings (which do not in any way promote SDI batteries as a vape battery) and suitable warnings;
- Supplier – Inform them of the name of their supplier so they can map the supply chain and ensure they are contacting everyone involved; and;
- Customers – Communicate the cease and desist to your customers, this can be by newsletter or email, however you normally communicate with customers. Physical retail shops should display a warning in the shop and they play a key role in advising end users to move to an alternative battery.
SDI has taken extensive action to stop this Unapproved Practice in the UK. It has marked a warning on the batteries themselves, placed a warning notice on the SDI website and has now contacted hundreds of UK vape businesses to make them aware of the issue. As a responsible industry, many of our members already contacted have been grateful for the information and to be made aware of the issue. Your cooperation is much appreciated. However, businesses who have been contacted or are aware of the issue but refuse to comply with the requests will be referred to the OPSS for enforcement action.
For further information or to provide any information which may be helpful, you can contact the campaign on 020 3319 3700 or email jason.kallis@keystonelaw.co.uk.