This problem is being reflected across the country, with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) reporting that the number of non-compliant e-cigarettes being sold by retailers is increasing and that the teams are struggling to cope.
According to the latest data highlighted by CTSI, over 138 million disposable e-cigarettes are sold every year, with one third of these products potentially being non-compliant, meaning that over 45 million non-compliant products are sold every year.
Derbyshire's Trading Standards officers have already shifted resources from other areas of work to try to tackle the county's problem and to stop the illegal trade of these products and their sale to minors.
Current regulations require e-cigarette tank capacities not to exceed 2ml; nicotine concentrations not to exceed 20mg/ml; and their labels to display detailed manufacturer information and health warnings. Any e-cigarettes with concentrations above these limits are illegal products and should not be sold to consumers.
Although there are no clear health risks associated with using non-compliant e-cigarettes, the Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) strongly advises consumers not to use them as their contents are unknown and may therefore pose health risks.
In addition to following up on complaints about the sale of non-compliant e-cigarette products, Derbyshire's Trading Standards officers have also visited businesses to provide advice and guidance on sales, including warning against the sale of e-cigarettes to minors.
Carol Hart, cabinet member for health and communities, said: "Our Trading Standards officers are working tirelessly to tackle the sale of illegal e-cigarette products, but the numbers flooding into our county and the country make this a tough task.
"For a variety of reasons, these products may be illegal, including the strength and content of the products, which means that many of these products may pose health risks.
"Protecting consumers and legitimate traders is our job and we are dedicating as many resources as possible to tackling this problem. Please be assured that the team is doing everything it can and we ask people to continue to report any concerns they may have, and we will investigate them.
"While not smoking at all is clearly better for everyone, it's important to remember that e-cigarettes that comply with the law are far less harmful than smoking and can be an effective way to help people quit smoking."