New vape duty could mean higher prices for Stone customers > A Little Bit of Stone

A new tax on vaping liquid took effect across the UK on Thursday 1 October. The Vaping Products Duty is charged at £2.20 for every 10ml of vaping liquid, applying to both nicotine and nicotine-free liquids. HM Revenue and Customs notes that a 2ml pod attracts 44p in duty, while a 10ml refill bottle attracts £2.20. The duty is paid by manufacturers, importers and other approved businesses rather than directly by customers at the till, and does not automatically mean every 10ml bottle will rise by exactly £2.20, since retailers set their own prices. VAT also continues to apply.

A Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme has also begun. Products manufactured in or imported into the UK from 1 October must generally carry a duty stamp before release onto the UK market. Shops can continue selling qualifying unstamped products made or imported before 1 October during a grace period that runs until 31 March 2027; from 1 April 2027, vaping products sold or supplied in the UK must carry a valid duty stamp. Retailers selling only duty-paid products do not need to register themselves but must obtain compliant stock.

Separately, under the Tobacco and Vapes Act, from Thursday 29 October it will be illegal across the UK to sell any vaping or nicotine product to someone under 18. In England, the current age restriction applies to nicotine vaping products; the new rules extend this to nicotine-free vapes and other nicotine products such as nicotine pouches. Adults will also be prohibited from buying such products on behalf of someone under 18. Promotional giveaways and substantial discounts intended to promote products will be restricted. The government says the new duty aims to reduce the affordability and appeal of vaping, particularly among young people and non-smokers, while maintaining that vaping is less harmful than smoking and can help adult smokers quit.

(Source：A Little Bit of Stone)