Vape expectations go up in smoke as new UK tax sparks fury

New £2.20 duty on every 10ml of vaping liquid takes effect today, with ministers hoping to discourage young people from taking up the habit. But a survey commissioned by a vape retailer suggests existing users are deeply unhappy about the additional expense

A new tax designed to make vaping less affordable for young people and non-smokers comes into force today, despite warnings from existing users that higher prices could encourage some to return to cigarettes.

The Government’s Vaping Products Duty will impose a charge of £2.20 on every 10ml of vaping liquid, regardless of whether it contains nicotine. With VAT, the additional cost could reach £2.64 per 10ml if retailers pass on the full increase.

Tobacco duties will also increase from October 1, with the Government introducing an additional rise specifically intended to preserve the price difference between cigarettes and vaping products.

Ministers say the measure is intended to discourage young people and non-smokers from taking up vaping, while retaining the financial incentive for existing smokers to switch to a less harmful alternative.

But critics say the tax will have a major financial impact on existing users. A survey of vapers conducted by independent retailer E-Cigarette Direct found that 52 per cent expected to be significantly affected, with another 37 per cent anticipating a moderate impact. 

Someone vaping 10ml of liquid daily could face almost £1,000 in additional annual costs if the tax and associated VAT are passed on in full, the findings suggest.

More than a quarter of respondents who had previously smoked said they would never have switched to vaping if the tax had already been in place. 

And some 17 per cent said higher prices would make them more likely to buy illegal nicotine products, while 13 per cent indicated they might return to smoking. 

Allowing for overlapping responses, 23 per cent said they would be more likely to smoke or purchase illegal products.

James Dunworth, of E-Cigarette Direct, said: “Vapers are smarting at the prospect of a steep new tax in the middle of a cost of living crisis – and some say this tax would have stopped them from switching in the first place.

“It’s particularly alarming to see that some vapers are now considering using illegal products or even going back to smoking.”

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_{Main image: The new vaping tax adds £2.20 to every 10ml of e-liquid, raising fears that higher costs could encourage former smokers to return to cigarettes or turn to illegal vaping products. Credit: Boys in Bristol Photography/Pexels}