Duty charges to come into force next year along with measures to clamp down on illicit trade
THE UK Government has announced a string of new regulations on vaping products in an effort to clamp down on the trade of illicit vapes.
From 1 October 2026, manufacturers must pay a Vaping Products Duty on all vaping products released for sale or supplied in the UK and attach a vaping duty stamp to the packaging for retail sale.
Westminster has said it hopes these measures will aid in cutting the sale of counterfeit vape products across the UK.
The stamp on packaging must also seal the box so that the product cannot be opened before purchase.
In addition to this, vaping products must also carry a QR code on packs that will allow consumers, and Trading Standards officers, to see if a vape product is genuine.
Vaping manufacturers in the UK will be able to apply to the scheme from April 2026, but must be signed up to it before October. Retailers will also have a six-month grace period to sell unstamped stock.
Gillian Golden, chief executive at the Independent British Vape Trade Association, said: “We applaud the announcement of a concerted effort to stamp out rogue trading in vapes. Illegal products and illicit traders have been a scourge on our high streets in recent years.
“This unfair competition for the legitimate vape trade has also caused reputational damage to the UK’s most popular and effective aid to quitting smoking.
“Criminal networks, who see illicit tobacco and vapes as any other cash market commodity, conduct much of this illegal trade.”
