The UK government will introduce a new tax on vaping products, which will lead to higher prices, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce youth vaping and close loopholes that allow illegal sales.
Vape prices set to rise under new legislation
Beginning in April, all vape liquids, regardless of nicotine level, will be subject to a Vaping Product Duty of £2.20 per 10ml of e-liquid. This policy aims to reduce vaping rates among children and young people in response to growing concerns about health risks in these demographics. Retailers can still sell old stock at previous prices for six months, so consumers may not notice immediate price increases as the change rolls out gradually.
The timing of the vape tax comes alongside higher duties on traditional tobacco, with cigarette and tobacco taxes increasing by £2.20 per 100 cigarettes or 50g of tobacco. According to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the government wants to ensure there remains a financial incentive for smokers to switch from cigarettes to vaping products, even as the new tax takes effect.
Consumers divided over increased vape prices
Reactions from vapers in Reading revealed a mix of perspectives on whether the upcoming price hike would alter their behavior. Mackenzie Bird, age 19 and a regular vaper for three years, stated she would likely continue despite the higher cost and might stockpile ahead of price changes. However, others like Cara Lewis-Rimes and Dylan Killner voiced concerns; Lewis-Rimes suggested rising living expenses could cause some to cut back, while Killner contemplated quitting because of both monetary and health reasons.
This split reflects ongoing debate about the government’s stance. Industry representatives argue that affordable vapes assist adult smokers in quitting cigarettes. Jordan Apap, a sales assistant at Berkshire Vapers, warned that the new tax could force legitimate vape shops to shut down within a couple of years due to increased financial pressure.
John Dunne, director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association, criticized the measure as “nothing short of a tax on public health” and praised vapes’ role in helping “millions of adults cut down on or stop smoking.” Although Dunne shares the goal of protecting youth, he advocated for “stronger enforcement against illegal and rogue traders, not making legal vaping more expensive for adults trying to stay away from cigarettes.”
Crackdown on illegal vape sales with new regulations
In April, HMRC will mandate a new traceable stamp system for vape products. This initiative aims to track products throughout the supply chain and forms part of a crackdown on the increasing presence of illicit vape sales on the UK high street. It comes shortly after new government powers for local councils to address high street decline, which includes tackling the spread of vape shops. Under new planning regulations in England, any retailer seeking to sell vaping products must now get official council approval before opening their business.
Health Minister Karin Smyth called these measures an “important step” to both make vaping less affordable and limit access for young people, and noted that they coincide with broader initiatives to reduce the attractiveness of vape products. James Murray, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, emphasized that the government will “back all those retailers who play by the rules.”
Public health concerns and official guidance
Although available evidence suggests that vaping is considerably safer than smoking, there are still some unknowns regarding long-term effects. A recent review of vaping research identified potential risks for children and young people, including increased chances of wheezing, dental and oral problems, sleep issues, adverse mental health effects, and eye complaints. The NHS maintains its advisory that children and non-smokers should never vape.
The government continues to seek a balanced approach: supporting adult smokers trying to quit, shielding young people from starting to vape, and cracking down on illegal sellers of vaping products.