2FIRSTS | UK HMRC Plans 30,000 Retail Enforcement Actions as Illegal Tobacco and Vape Sellers Face Tougher Crackdown
2Firsts
HMRC will conduct over 30,000 retail inspections in 2026‑2027 to curb illegal tobacco and vape sales, expanding enforcement to retail channels.Summary
HMRC will conduct over 30,000 retail inspections in 2026‑2027 to curb illegal tobacco and vape sales, expanding enforcement from import channels to retail outlets. The government has deployed 350 criminal investigators and will focus on tax fraud, illegal goods sales, and businesses involved in unlawful retail activities. The move signals a broader shift toward full‑chain oversight, including the upcoming Vaping Products Duty that will increase compliance requirements for retailers.
(Source：2Firsts)
