UK Vape Duty Explained
If you're a regular vaper, you've probably heard about the upcoming Vape Duty and the impact it may have on e-liquid prices.
As a vape retailer, we want to explain what is changing, when prices are likely to be affected, and what customers can expect over the coming months.
Will Prices Increase Immediately?
No
Although the new duty comes into effect in October 2026, retailers can continue selling stock that was purchased before the duty was introduced.
This means many products are likely to remain at current prices for a period after October 2026.
As pre-duty stock is gradually sold and replaced with duty-paid products, prices across the market are expected to increase gradually rather than overnight.
When Will Duty-Paid Prices Become Standard?
Transition Period: October 2026 and March 2027
During this period, retailers will be selling through existing pre-duty stock while also introducing new duty-paid stock.
Because of this, customers may see price changes at different times depending on the product and manufacturer.
From:
Duty Paid fully implemented: April 2027
All vape products sold in the UK must be duty compliant, meaning duty-paid pricing will become standard across the industry.
How Much Will Prices Increase?
The new Vape Duty will add approximately:
£2.64 per 10ml of Eliquid
This figure includes VAT. The duty itself is £2.20 per 10ml, with VAT added on top.
This increase will apply across the UK vape industry and by April will affect all vape retailers, manufacturers and brands.
Key Dates
October 2026
- Vape Duty comes into effect
- Retailers can continue selling pre-duty stock
October 2026 to March 2027
- Retailers gradually sell through existing stock
- Prices are likely to increase as duty-paid stock enters the market
1 April 2027
- All vape products sold must be duty compliant
- Duty-paid pricing becomes standard across the UK market
What This Means for Customers
It does NOT mean immediate price increase
The key point is that the introduction of Vape Duty in October 2026 does not mean all vape products will immediately increase in price.
Instead, there will be a period where existing stock continues to be sold before duty-paid products become the norm.
As a result, price increases are expected to happen gradually across the industry between October 2026 and April 2027.