Member

Noble Lords might ask, “Is it not already illegal to sell counterfeit goods?” The answer is that it is illegal, but there is no specific legislation that deals with counterfeit tobacco and nicotine products—cigarettes and vapes—and my amendment is intended to address that. I think everybody should be able to rally around it. I have taken what I would call a firm approach. Some people might say it is harsh, but I do not think one can be too harsh in matters such as this. It is a tiered approach. It makes it an offence to be involved in the sale of counterfeit tobacco or nicotine-related products. On summary conviction, there could be a term of imprisonment of up to 12 months and a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, and, on indictment, imprisonment up to three years and an unlimited fine.