What the New Vape Tax Really Means for Vapers

From 1st October, the cost of vaping in the UK is changing.

The UK Government is introducing a new tax on e-liquid called the Vaping Products Duty. This is a government-imposed tax, not a price increase by retailers. It applies to all vape liquids, including products containing PG and VG, whether they contain nicotine or not.

Once introduced, it will increase the cost of every vaping product that contains e-liquid, including 0mg e-liquids. As duty-paid stock gradually replaces existing stock, vapers can expect prices to increase over the coming months

We've had a lot of customers asking us the same questions over the last few months.

"How much more is it going to cost?" 

"Should I stock up now?"

"Is everything going up?"

The short answer is yes, prices are going to increase. But the full picture is a little more complicated.

Which Products Are Affected

Unlike many price increases we've seen before, this isn't simply manufacturers deciding to charge more.

This is a government duty that applies to the e-liquid itself.

That means every product containing vape liquid (PG/VG) will be affected, including:

• 10ml e-liquids Regardless of nicotine content

• Shortfills

• Nic shots

• Prefilled pods

• Big puff refill packs

• Prefilled vape kits supplied with pods

The amount of liquid inside the product determines how much duty is applied, which means larger bottles and refill packs will naturally see much bigger increases than smaller products.

These prices are based on the minimum cost once Vaping Products Duty and VAT have been applied. In reality, retail prices are likely to be higher due to the cost of applying Tax stamps, reduced stock availability and increased cash flow pressures on manufacturers.

What Does That Actually Mean?

The new Vaping Products Duty is charged per millilitre. Including VAT, this works out at approximately £0.264 for every 1ml of e-liquid. To put it into perspective, a typical 10ml bottle that currently costs around £3.99 is expected to increase by £2.64 (Duty+VAT) to a minimum of  £6.63 once the duty and VAT are applied.

A 100ml shortfill could increase by more than £26, making products that currently retail around £12.99 closer to £39. 

For many people, that's the difference between picking up a bottle without thinking and carefully planning each purchase.

Will Prices Increase Overnight?

Not necessarily.

Products manufactured or imported before 1st October won't immediately require a duty stamp. Retailers can continue selling existing stock up until the 1st April 2027 before newer, duty-paid products gradually replace it.

Because of that, you may not notice every product increasing in price on the same day.

Some products could rise immediately.

Others may remain at current prices until existing stock has sold through.

The reality is that nobody knows exactly how quickly each brand will transition.

Because each store will sell through its existing stock at different speeds, you may notice the same product priced differently between stores for a short period. This simply reflects whether that store is selling pre-duty or duty-paid stock.

So, What's the Best Thing To Do?

There's no need to panic buy. We've already started building up our stock to help keep prices as stable as possible for as long as we can.

That said, there is value in planning ahead. As the deadline approaches, we may see increased demand, meaning existing non-duty stock could sell through much faster than usual.

E-liquids typically have a long shelf life, and if you've already found flavours you know you'll use, buying a little extra before October could save you a noticeable amount over the coming months.

Even adding an extra bottle or pack of pre-fill pods to your normal order each time can make a difference.

See Exactly What the Vape Tax Will Cost You

Reading about price increases is one thing, but seeing what they'll actually cost you is much more useful.

That's why we've created our Vape Duty Savings Calculator.

Simply choose the type of e-liquid you use and enter roughly how many bottles or shortfills you go through each month. In seconds, you'll see:

• Your current monthly spend

• What you'll likely pay once the new Vaping Products Duty is fully applied

• Your estimated extra cost over a year

• The best current multibuy deal available

• How much you could save by stocking up before the duty takes effect

Whether you buy a few 10ml bottles each week or go through large 100ml shortfills every month, the calculator gives you a personalised estimate based on your own vaping habits.

Try our Vape Duty Savings Calculator here:
[Calculate Your Vape Tax Costs & Savings →]

Not Everything Is Changing

One important thing to remember is that the new duty only applies to products containing e-liquid.

Refillable vape kits, empty pods, coils, tanks and most hardware aren't affected by the new Tax.

So if you're planning ahead, it makes far more sense to focus on the products that actually contain e-liquid rather than buying hardware you don't yet need.

Note: even components of the eliquid are going to be affected by the new Tax. DIY options are not exempt.

Our Advice

Over the years we've always been honest with our customers, even when the news isn't ideal.

The good news is there's a grace period, meaning retailers can continue selling existing stock before duty-paid products take over. At VapeHQ, we've already secured plenty of stock to help keep today's prices available for as long as possible..

We know this price increase won't be welcome. One of our biggest concerns is that higher vaping costs could push some people back towards smoking.

Vaping remains one of the most cost effective alternatives for many adult smokers, and we'd rather see people prepared than caught out by unexpected price rises. Especially those who have recently started their stop smoking journey as on average, people spend 3 years on this journey to achieve the best result.

If you've already found products that work for you, now is a sensible time to stock up while today's prices are still available.

October will come around quicker than most of us think.

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Browse our range while current prices are still available.

Whether you're topping up your favourite nic salts, picking up prefilled pods or stocking the cupboard for the months ahead, every bottle purchased before the new duty takes effect is one less you'll need to buy at the higher price.

What will PURE E-Liquid cost with vape tax?

Following the introduction of the vape tax, PURE 10ml bottles are expected to increase to a minimum £7.63 per bottle, depending on the current retail price. Any PURE products containing e-liquid, will also increase in price once duty-paid stock enters circulation.

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What will QSalts cost with vape tax?

After the vape tax, QSalts 10ml Nic Salts are expected to increase from £3.99 to an expected minimum selling price of £6.63 per bottle. As all 10ml e-liquids are subject to the same duty, every QSalts flavour will be affected regardless of nicotine strength. 

Our current 3 for £10 and 5 for £15 QSalts multibuy offers make for the perfect opportunity to stock up before prices increase.

What will ELUX products cost with vape tax?

Following the introduction of the vape tax, ELUX 10ml Nic Salts are expected to increase from £3.99 to approximately £6.63 per bottle. Like all 10ml e-liquids, every flavour and nicotine strength will be subject to the new Vaping Products Duty.

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What will Pyne Pod Click cost with vape tax?

The Pyne Pod Click contains 12ml of e-liquid, meaning it will also be affected by the new Vaping Products Duty. Based on the current tax rate, the average retail price is expected to increase from £9.98 to approximately £13.15 once duty-paid stock enters circulation.

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What will ELFA Pro cost with vape tax?

The ELFA Pro replacement pods, which contain 4ml of e-liquid, are expected to increase from £5.99 to approximately £7.05 per pack after the vape tax is introduced. As with all products containing e-liquid, prices will gradually increase as retailers begin selling duty-paid stock.

What will ELFLIQ cost with vape tax?

ELFLIQ Nic Salts are expected to increase from around £3.99 to approximately £6.63 per bottle after the vape tax is introduced. Like all 10ml e-liquids, the duty applies regardless of nicotine strength or flavour.

Our multibuy deals make it easy to stock up now and save money before the October price increases.

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What will Seriously Shortfills cost with vape tax?

Seriously Shortfills are expected to see one of the biggest price increases due to the larger volume of e-liquid they contain. A standard 100ml shortfill could increase from around £12.99 to approximately £39.39 once the new duty and VAT have been applied.

If you use shortfills daily, stocking up before October could save you hundreds of pounds over time.

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Our commitment to fighting for our customers.

Alongside the UKVIA, we've worked hard to challenge these new duty and VAT increases. Our priority has always been our customers, and we'll continue to do everything we can to support your smoke-free journey.