What Is the UK Vape Tax?
If you vape in the UK, there's a significant change coming that will affect how much you pay for your e-liquids. From October 2026, the government will introduce a brand-new tax on all vape products, and prices are set to rise across the board.
The new levy is officially called the Vaping Products Duty (VPD). It was announced as part of the Spring Budget 2024 and applies to all e-liquids sold in the UK, whether they contain nicotine or not. That includes shortfills, nic shots, prefilled pods, and zero-nicotine juices. Nobody is exempt.
The flat rate is straightforward: £2.20 for every 10ml of e-liquid. This duty is applied before VAT, meaning VAT is then calculated on top of the new higher price, so the real-world impact is even larger than the headline figure suggests.
How Much Will Prices Actually Go Up?
The increase varies depending on the size of the product you buy. Here's a clear breakdown of what to expect:
10ml Bottles
A standard 10ml bottle currently averages around £3.99. After the new duty and VAT are applied, that price is expected to rise to approximately £6.63, an increase of around 66%.
50ml Shortfills
A 50ml shortfill that currently costs around £11.99 could rise to roughly £25.19. That's more than double the current price, an increase of approximately 110%.
100ml Shortfills
This is where the impact is most dramatic. A 100ml shortfill currently averaging £14.99 could jump to around £41.39, nearly three times the current price, representing a rise of approximately 176%.
Nicotine Shots
Nic shots are also significantly affected. A typical 10ml nic shot currently costs around £1.49 but could rise to roughly £4.13, close to a 177% increase.
2ml Pods
Pods fare much better under the new system. A 2ml pod currently averaging £4.00 is expected to rise to around £4.52, an increase of just 13%. That said, while pods will look cheaper at the checkout, shortfills still offer far better value per ml in the long run.
Why Is the Government Introducing This Tax?
The primary aim of the VPD is to discourage underage and non-smoker uptake of vaping, while generating additional tax revenue. The government has been under increasing pressure to address rising vaping rates among young people, and a price increase is widely considered one of the most effective deterrents.
It's worth noting that vaping will still remain considerably cheaper than smoking cigarettes, even after the tax comes in. A 10ml bottle of 10mg/ml e-liquid contains roughly the nicotine equivalent of 60–120 cigarettes, making it a cost-effective option for those using vaping as a tool to quit smoking.
What Does This Mean for You as a Vaper?
A few things are worth thinking about ahead of October 2026:
- Stock up where possible. If you have favourite liquids you rely on regularly, buying ahead of the October 2026 deadline is worth considering.
- Reassess your format. Larger shortfills are hit hardest by the new duty. If you currently buy 100ml bottles, it may be worth reviewing whether a different format better suits your budget after the change.
- Don't panic. Vaping will still be significantly cheaper than smoking, and it remains one of the most effective tools available for quitting cigarettes. The tax changes the numbers — but not that fundamental fact.
Final Thoughts
The UK vape tax is a significant shift for both the industry and consumers. Prices will rise, some more sharply than others and it's important to go into October 2026 with a clear picture of what to expect.
We'll continue to keep you updated as more details emerge. In the meantime, if you have any questions about how these changes might affect your regular order, our team is always here to help.
