Important Update Regarding Proposed Vape Tax in the UK

You may have heard about a recent development that could impact the vaping industry in the UK. The government has proposed in the 2024 Spring Budget the introduction of a Vaping Products Duty (VPD).

Effective from October 2026, this proposed tax aims to discourage vaping, particularly among young people and non-smokers.

What we know so far

The government has released a consultation paper outlining the proposed VPD. The paper acknowledges the role vaping can play in smoking cessation but expresses concerns about the growing popularity of vaping, particularly among non-smokers. 

Whatever happens - vaping will still be cheaper - and less harmful

The government have also announced an increase on the price of tobacco-based products, to keep vaping a financially better option.

Deborah Arnott, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, said [1]:

“The additional increase in tobacco taxes is welcome, as keeping vaping cheaper than smoking is vital to encourage smokers trying to quit to switch to vapes which are the most effective stop smoking aid available over the counter.”

Vaping is still considered by Public Health England as significantly less harmful than smoking [2]. Smoking causes 7 out of 10 cases of lung cancer and can cause cancers in many other parts of the body [3].

An expert review of the latest evidence concludes that e-cigarettes are around 95% safer than smoked tobacco and they can help smokers to quit.

Public perception of the risks associated with vaping has also been in the news as recently as February 2024, with University College London saying in a study led by UCL researchers that “Most smokers wrongly believe vaping is at least as harmful as smoking” [4].

Staying informed and have your say

Public opinion plays a crucial role in shaping policy decisions. If you are concerned about the potential impact of the VPD, we encourage you to participate in the government consultation and voice your opinion.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. In the meantime, please visit the government's consultation website [5] to learn more about the proposed VPD and share your thoughts.

We appreciate your continued support and trust.

OK Vape

References:

1. ASH. (2024, March 6). ASH comment on Budget decisions on tobacco and vaping.
   https://ash.org.uk/media-centre/news/press-releases/ash-comment-on-budget-decisions-on-tobacco-and-vaping#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20additional%20increase%20in%20tobacco%20taxes%20is%20welcome%2C%20as%20keeping%20vaping%20cheaper%20than%20smoking%20is%20vital%20to%20encourage%20smokers%20trying%20to%20quit%20to%20switch%20to%20vapes%20which%20are%20the%20most%20effective%20stop%20smoking%20aid%20available%20over%20the%20counter.%E2%80%9D
2. Public Health England. (2018, February 21). E-cigarettes around 95% less harmful than tobacco estimates landmark review.
   https://www.gov.uk/government/news/e-cigarettes-around-95-less-harmful-than-tobacco-estimates-landmark-review
3. National Health Service. (n.d.). What are the health risks of smoking?
   https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/lifestyle/what-are-the-health-risks-of-smoking/
4. University College London. (2024, February 15). Most smokers wrongly believe vaping is at least as harmful as smoking.
   https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/headlines/2024/feb/most-smokers-wrongly-believe-vaping-least-harmful-smoking
5. HM Treasury. (2024, March 6). Vaping Products Duty consultation.
   https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/vaping-products-duty-consultation#:~:text=Please%20respond%20to,hmrc.gov.uk