Some electronic cigarettes on the market do not comply with European health and safety requirements, the consumers’ watchdog has said.

It also warned against the use of such devices, even the approved ones, as “inhaling vapours could not in any way be considered healthy”.

The Technical Regulations Division within the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority said that all electronic cigarettes should have the CE mark.

“It is evident from research carried out by the authority that a number of people are importing these cigarettes personally over the internet and are then selling them to consumers, or even to some retail outlets, on a one-to-one basis,” the division said.

These importers “may be liable for legal action should the products not conform to all applicable requirements”.

Reports about any unsafe product may be made on telephone number 2395 2000.