Member

17: After Clause 12, insert the following new Clause— “Offence of manufacturing, supplying or offering to supply counterfeit nicotine products(1) A person who manufactures, supplies, or offers to supply counterfeit nicotine products, including tobacco and vape products, commits an offence.(2) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or both;(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or an unlimited fine, or both.(3) In this section, “counterfeit” means any product or packaging bearing without authorisation a trade mark identical to or indistinguishable from a registered trade mark.”Member's explanatory statement This amendment strengthens the criminal penalties for the production and sale of counterfeit nicotine products with a view to protecting consumers, upholding safety standards, and safeguarding legitimate businesses from unfair competition. It introduces a tiered sentencing structure, permitting tougher consequences for serious offences.