A significant new vape tax hike has now come into force, specifically designed to make vaping products less attractive to young people. This new Vaping Product Duty imposes a charge of £2.20 for every 10ml of e-liquid sold. However, many consumers may not see immediate price increases, as retailers have a six-month period to sell existing stock at pre-duty prices.
The government aims to reduce the appeal of vapes through these higher costs. This policy responds to growing evidence of adverse health effects, particularly among children and young people. The duty will apply universally to all vaping products, regardless of their nicotine content.
Meanwhile, the vaping industry has strongly lobbied against this new tax. Industry representatives argue that affordable vaping options play a crucial role in helping adults quit traditional smoking. They fear the new regulations could undermine public health efforts.
Notably, tobacco taxes also increased on Thursday. This rise, adding £2.20 per 100 cigarettes or 50g of tobacco, intends to maintain a financial incentive for smokers to switch to vaping. HMRC, the tax authority, confirmed this balanced approach.
Public opinion regarding the new measures remains divided. In Reading, for example, vapers expressed mixed views on whether the new tax would genuinely encourage people to quit. Nineteen-year-old Mackenzie Bird, a regular vaper for three years, stated the duty would not deter her.
“I don’t know how many people it’ll actually deter,” she remarked. By contrast, Cara Lewis-Rimes and Dylan Killner suggested the higher prices might lead them to reconsider their habits. Cara believes the cost of living pressures, combined with the tax, will force vapers to cut down. Dylan even indicated he might quit entirely, citing health concerns.
In addition to the financial changes, HMRC is introducing a new traceable stamp for all vaping products. This stamp will become mandatory for all vapes sold in the UK from April. This measure also seeks to combat illicit trade, which has become a growing concern on UK high streets.
Furthermore, changes to planning law in England mean new vape shops will now require local council permission to open. This forms part of broader efforts to address the decline of high streets, previously announced by the Prime Minister. These efforts include tackling the proliferation of vape shops.
Health Minister Karin Smyth highlighted the importance of these steps. She described them as crucial in tackling youth vaping by reducing affordability. Financial Secretary to the Treasury, James Murray, affirmed government support for retailers who comply with regulations.
However, some legitimate vape shop staff foresee significant challenges. Jordan Apap, a sales assistant at Berkshire Vapers, warned the new duty would “put a lot of strain” on specialist stores. These businesses often provide more tailored advice and services than general convenience stores.
John Dunne, Director General of the UK Vaping Industry Association, criticised the move as “nothing short of a tax on public health.” He argued that protecting young people demands stronger enforcement against illegal traders, not making legal vaping more expensive for adults seeking to avoid cigarettes.
Experts generally consider vaping much safer than smoking, though it is not entirely risk-free. The long-term health effects remain less clear. Recent studies link vaping in children and young people to issues like wheezing, coughing, poor oral health, sleep problems, and mental health issues. The NHS strongly advises that children and non-smokers should never vape.
