The government led by Andy Burnham has announced the implementation of new vaping regulations, with initial measures taking effect from Thursday and additional rules planned for April. From 1 October, all vaping liquids manufactured or imported into the UK will be subject to excise duty under the newly introduced Vaping Products Duty.
Retail packaging will soon feature new vaping duty stamps designed to support high street businesses by helping to prevent illicit trade. To ease the transition for wholesalers and retailers, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has established a six-month grace period, allowing the sale of existing unstamped, non-duty liable stock until 31 March 2027.
Starting 1 April 2027, all vaping products sold in the UK must carry a valid vaping duty stamp. Consumers are advised to purchase only duty-stamped vaping products, and anyone suspecting unlawful vaping products is encouraged to report them to HMRC.
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James Murray, Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General, stated: “Our new measures will help get illicit vapes off high streets across the country. We’re backing all those retailers who play by the rules by making it easier for law enforcement agencies to take action against those who don’t.”
Karin Smyth, Minister of State for Health, added: “Our public health advice is clear: while vaping is less harmful than smoking and can help adult smokers to quit, children and non-smokers should never vape. These measures are an important step in our ambition to tackle youth vaping by reducing the affordability of vaping products, which goes hand-in-hand with the work we are already doing to tackle the appeal and availability of vapes on our high streets.”
From Thursday onwards, vaping duty stamps will begin appearing on retail packaging. Additionally, travellers entering the UK are reminded of new personal allowance regulations regarding the importation of vaping products.