The UK vape tax is coming. Here's what you'll actually pay.
From 1 October 2026, HMRC's new Vaping Products Duty adds £2.20 per 10ml to vape liquid sold in the UK, with 20% VAT on top. It lands all at once — no phased roll-in like cigarettes had. Punch your numbers in below and see what it means for your kit.
What is the UK vape tax, exactly?
Two separate things take effect on 1 October 2026: the duty itself (VPD) and the stamp scheme that polices it (VDS). Here's the difference.
Vaping Products Duty
A new HMRC excise duty on any vaping liquid sold in the UK — whether it's a 10ml bottle, a 2ml prefilled pod, a 50ml shortfill, or the tank of a big-puff kit.
- ✓£2.20 per 10ml — flat rate, whatever the nicotine strength.
- ✓0mg liquid is taxed too — nicotine-free isn't duty-free.
- ✓20% VAT on top of the duty — roughly £2.64 more per 10ml at retail.
- ✓Coils, batteries, empty hardware are not taxed — only the liquid.
Vaping Duty Stamps
Every retail pack that has cleared the duty must carry a stamp — the same idea as the little tax stamp on a bottle of spirits. It signals to HMRC, the trade and shoppers that duty has been paid.
- ✓Stamps apply from 1 October 2026.
- ✓From 1 April 2027 every product outside duty suspension must carry one.
- ✓No stamp = not lawful for retail sale after that cut-off.
- ✓Helps police the supply chain and crack down on illicit vapes.
How much will the tax cost you each month?
Tell us roughly how much liquid you get through. We'll do the maths and show what the duty adds to your monthly and yearly spend.
Assumes today's £2.20/10ml rate, 20% VAT and steady monthly usage. HMRC may adjust the rate in future budgets.
The UK vape tax timeline
Three dates worth pinning to the fridge — everything HMRC has confirmed, in one place.
VPD goes live
The £2.20/10ml duty starts charging. Duty-stamped stock begins entering the supply chain.
Duty stamps begin
Stamps must go on retail packs that have cleared duty. Pre-tax stock stays on shelves until it sells out.
Stamp-only sales
Every product outside duty suspension in the UK must carry a vaping duty stamp.
Between October 2026 and April 2027 shops can sell older, pre-tax stock next to newer taxed stock — so the same product might show two prices for a while. It's not a mistake; once the old stock clears, prices settle down.
The new price on your favourite vapes
See how much tax is added to nic salts, prefilled pod kits and shortfills after 1 October 2026. Set a price, pick a format, tweak the quantity or multi-buy mix, and watch the post-tax total update live.
How this is worked out: Vaping Products Duty is £2.20 per 10ml of liquid, with 20% VAT added on the duty (£2.64 per 10ml total) on top of today's retail price. Final retail pricing is set by suppliers and may also be affected by RRP changes and Vape Duty Stamps. Figures are an estimate based on HMRC's published duty rate.
Stock up before 1 October 2026
Stock that's already cleared the supply chain pre-October isn't re-taxed at retail. The simplest way to lock in today's prices is to top up your usual products now.