Major change for vaping to come into play from tomorrow that most Brits don't even know about
Major changes to vaping rules are coming into force from tomorrow and will cause quite the impact to vapers across the UK.
The regulations will see those who use the electronic devices face higher costs - but most people don't actually know about the new rules.
There will be an increase to the amount of tax that is paid on both tobacco and vaping products from 1 October.
It forms as part of the government’s mission to create a 'smoke-free generation'.
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According to recent statistics released by Action on Smoking and Health, around 13 percent of British adults smoke cigarettes, while an estimated 10 percent use vapes.
There will be a new duty of £2.20 per 10ml on vaping products and liquids, which will apply whether they include nicotine or not.
The duty will apply to liquids that contain either or both glycerine and glycol or any liquid that is intended to be vapourised and is not medical product.
It will be charged on vaping products that are produced in, or imported into, the United Kingdom.
This means that based on current costs, a £4 bottle containing 10ml vaping liquid will rise to £6.64, after VAT.
The new tax doesn't just apply to vaping products, with cigarettes also due to soar in price.
The existing tobacco duty will go up by an extra £2.20 per 100 cigarettes, which will mean an extra cost of 44p will be added to a pack of 20 and £2.20 per 50g of tobacco.
However a survey by VPZ, the UK’s largest specialist vaping retailer, revealed widespread concern that the Government’s planned vape tax could actually drive former smokers back to cigarettes, as rising costs threaten the affordability of vaping.
The survey, which gathered responses from 2,640 UK adults, found that the majority - 2,227 respondents - said they strongly oppose the tax.
While vaping is currently considered to be a 'safer' alternative for smokers looking to quit or cut down, current health guidelines advise against non-smokers taking up the habit.
As well as the cost changes to products for customers, other new rules were also implemented for product makers.
Businesses were told they had to prepare for the Vaping Products Duty and the Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme which all start on 1 October.
This is because all vapes will need to also have a digital duty stamp with a QR code that customers and law enforcement can scan to check for fakes.
Shops will have a six-month grace period to sell any unstamped stock.
A Downing Street source said: “Britain’s high streets are being flooded with illegal vapes by rogue traders.
“The Chancellor will crack down hard – giving Border Force and HMRC the power to seize dodgy vapes on the spot and hit offenders with £10,000 fines. We’re protecting shoppers and backing honest businesses.”
Ahead of the new rules, Rachel Nixon, HMRC’s Director of Indirect Tax, explained: "Manufacturers, importers and warehouse keepers should have applied to HMRC for approval and be preparing to pay any of the new excise duty due, to comply with the new requirements from 1 October 2026.
"Businesses that do not have approval by that date cannot produce vaping products in the UK and may be unable to trade.
"They could also face operational delays and may be subject to civil or criminal sanctions."
James Holt