Vape tax comes into force with prices set to rise
A new £2.20-per-10ml vaping duty takes effect in the UK, aiming to reduce youth vaping, though prices won't rise immediately.Summary
The UK has introduced a new Vaping Product Duty of £2.20 per 10ml of e-liquid, aimed at making vaping less appealing to children and young people. However, sellers have a six-month grace period to sell existing stock at pre-duty prices, so consumers will not see immediate price increases. The duty applies to all vaping products regardless of nicotine content. In parallel, tobacco taxes were raised by £2.20 per 100 cigarettes or 50g of tobacco. HMRC is launching a traceability stamp for all vapes sold in the UK from April to combat the growing illicit trade, and the government is tightening planning laws to restrict new vape shops. Public opinion is mixed: some vapers said the tax would not deter them, while others may reconsider or reduce their usage. The vaping industry has strongly opposed the measure, with the UK Vaping Industry Association calling it "a tax on public health," arguing affordable vapes help adults quit smoking. Health experts note that while vaping is much safer than smoking, it is not risk-free, with recent studies linking it to respiratory, dental, sleep, and mental health problems in young people.
(Source：The Bbc)
