Monday October 5th 2026
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A new tax on vaping products has come into force across the UK, with the Government warning that the measure is aimed at reducing the affordability and appeal of vaping, particularly among young people.
The new Vaping Products Duty came into effect on October 1 and is charged at £2.20 for every 10ml of vaping liquid.
The duty is paid by manufacturers, importers and approved warehousekeepers, although businesses can choose whether to pass the additional cost on to retailers and customers.
The Government says the new charge is intended to reduce the affordability of vaping while continuing to encourage adult smokers to switch away from traditional tobacco.
Tobacco duty rates have also increased, with a one-off £2.20 increase per 100 cigarettes or 50 grams of tobacco, on top of the existing tobacco duty escalator.
New vaping duty stamps are also being introduced as part of a scheme designed to help trace products through the supply chain and tackle the sale of illicit vapes.
Vaping duty stamps will gradually appear on retail packaging, with a six-month grace period allowing wholesalers and retailers to sell existing eligible unstamped stock until March 31, 2027.
From April 1, 2027, all vaping products sold in the UK will be required to carry a valid vaping duty stamp.
Consumers are being advised to only buy duty-stamped vaping products once the scheme is fully in force and can report suspected illicit products to HM Revenue and Customs.
The changes also include new personal allowance rules for travellers bringing vaping products into the UK.
James Murray, Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General, said the measures would help tackle the illicit vape trade.
He said: “Our new measures will help get illicit vapes off high streets across the country. We’re backing all those retailers who play by the rules by making it easier for law enforcement agencies to take action against those who don’t.”
Karin Smyth, Minister of State for Health, said vaping remained less harmful than smoking and could help adult smokers quit, but warned that children and non-smokers should not vape.
She said: “These measures are an important step in our ambition to tackle youth vaping by reducing the affordability of vaping products, which goes hand-in-hand with the work we are already doing to tackle the appeal and availability of vapes on our high streets.”
The Government says the measures form part of wider efforts to improve consumer protection, tackle illicit trading and reduce youth vaping.
Tweet Share on FacebookNews
