According to a new directive from the UK government, from 1 October 2026 the UK will introduce a special tax on vejp products called ”Vaping Products Duty”. The tax will be broadly applied to all e-liquids - including those without nicotine. At the same time, a labelling system will be introduced where all product packaging will be stamped
According to the directive, which can be found on gov.uk, the UK government's official information channel, the tax will be £2.20 per 10 millilitres, which is equivalent to approximately £30 per 10 ml.
At the same time, as mentioned, a system of stamps called ”Vaping Duty Stamps”.” - to be affixed to all retail packages. The stamp or label shall include security features such as a QR code, and shall be affixed in such a way that the package cannot be opened without the damage being visible on the stamp or packaging.
From 1 April next year, manufacturers, importers and stockists will have to apply for approval in order to participate in the new tax and stamp-regulated system. If you are not approved by 1 October 2026, you will not be able to legally produce vejp products.
Concerns from the vejp industry
Already in the autumn 2024 budget, the country's finance minister Rachel Reeves presented a plan to introduce a new tax on vejp products in 2026. The goal was and is that vejp should still be cheaper than smoking, to encourage smokers to switch to vejpning, the BBC and the Financial Times wrote at the time.
However, concerns have been raised within the vejp industry that the new flat tax rate will significantly increase the price of some products, particularly those with higher nicotine content. ”The UK Vaping Industry Association warns that prices could rise sharply and that the scheme could make it more difficult for some groups to afford vejp as an alternative to smoking, according to the Vape Business website.
