The UK vaping market is changing fast. From October 2026, a new vape tax will apply, also known as ‘Vaping Products Duty’ to all e-liquids, including those without nicotine. The tax aims to discourage youth vaping which has become a concern within the last few years and raise funds for public health initiatives, but for everyday users, it means one thing: higher costs.
In this guide, we’ll break down what the vape tax means for you, how it will affect e-liquid prices, and what vapers can do to adapt.
What Is the Vape Tax (Vaping Products Duty) and Why Is It Being Introduced?
The UK government has confirmed that a Vaping Products Duty will be introduced in October 2026. Every 10ml of vape liquid will face a £2.20 tax, no matter the nicotine strength. In addition, a new Vaping Duty Stamp Scheme will require official tax stamps on all retail packaging to prove the product is compliant.
The goal of this policy is to reduce youth vaping, discourage excessive use, and prevent unregulated or counterfeit products from entering the market. It’s also expected to generate significant tax revenue for public services.
How the Vape Tax Will Affect Prices
The vape tax is based on liquid volume rather than nicotine content. That means every 10ml bottle, whether it contains 3mg or 20mg nicotine, will see the same increase.
Here’s how that might look:
10ml nic salts: Around £2.20 more per bottle.
50ml shortfills: Could rise by £11 or more.
Prefilled pods: Smaller increase due to lower liquid volume, but still affected. It works out to £0.22 per ml. So a 2ml Pre Filled Pod will incur an additional charge of £0.44 Duty.
Because VAT will be charged on top of the taxed amount, the final retail price will climb further.
This could make larger bottles of e-liquid like Short fills less attractive to price-sensitive vapers, although the Long fill solution will then become the most cost effective way to vape. Long Fills is a flexible way of making your e-liquid either a bottle of Salts or a 70/30 Sub Ohm liquid. A Long Fill bottle comes with either a 10ml or 20ml fill of pure Flavour Concentrate (PG) you can buy the VG element from any high street pharmacy or online (No Duty on this), the Nic Shots (Duty applies) are bought separately and you add your preferred Nicotine Shots to the Flavour Concentrate in the bottle and you fill the rest of the bottle with the VG. This may sound confusing but it’s actually quite easy and we will have instructions on our Long Fill Labels to make it easier to understand. 10ml Nic Salt bottles for refillable pod systems could become more popular but each bottle will be on average £5.00 to £6.00 each potentially. The most expensive way to vape would be the Closed Pod Systems also known as the re-chargeable Disposables because after applying the Duty on the product because it contains Nicotine they don’t last as long as the Open Pod systems which are far more economical and pocket friendly. Overall the Long Fill option is the best route to continue vaping with the duty element not affecting the cost as much as the other options.
What About Long Fill E-Liquids?
Long fill e-liquids could become a more popular choice once the vape tax begins. These bottles typically contain a small amount of concentrated flavouring, leaving space for users to add their own nicotine shots and base liquid. Because the tax applies to the total volume of liquid, long fills give vapers more flexibility to control strength and cost. Mixing your own blend can work out cheaper than buying multiple smaller bottles, making long fills a smart option for those who don’t mind a little DIY to save money under the new vape tax.
Long Fill vs Shortfill: What’s the Difference?
While both long fills and shortfills come in larger bottles designed to be mixed with nicotine shots, the key difference is how much flavouring they contain. Shortfills are pre-mixed with flavour and ready to vape once nicotine shots are added, while long fills only contain flavour concentrate, leaving space for both base liquid (VG/PG) and nicotine to be added by the user. This means long fills offer more control over strength and flavour balance, making them ideal for vapers who enjoy a bit of customisation and want to stretch their budget further once the vape tax takes effect.
Impact on Different Types of Vapers
Everyday Users
For most vapers, the tax will make refilling more expensive. A regular user who goes through 30–40ml of e-liquid a week could spend an extra £25–£40 per month depending on usage.
Low-Income Users
Those on tighter budgets may feel the strain most, with higher running costs potentially making vaping less accessible. Some experts believe this could push a small number of users back toward traditional cigarettes, which would undermine harm reduction efforts. Our solution of the Long Fill will hopefully provide a way everyone can still enjoy vaping their favourite flavours without it having a big impact on their budget.
Experimenting Vapers
People who enjoy trying new flavours may cut back on variety and focus on a few favourites to save money.
Will the Vape Tax Change the Way You Vape?
Yes, the vape tax will influence the way people vape and the devices they choose. Many users will look for efficient setups that make every drop of e-liquid count. Vapers may cut down on how much they vape and only use their device when the urge for Nicotine arises.
One smart move is switching to refillable pod systems such as the Doozy Infinity Device. These devices use smaller, refillable pods that require less liquid overall while still delivering great flavour and a satisfying nicotine hit.
Refillable systems are also less wasteful and more sustainable compared to disposables, making them a smart long-term investment in both cost and quality.
Flavour and Quality Considerations
As vapers become more cost-conscious, flavour quality and device performance will matter more. Choosing premium nic salts with rich, long-lasting taste will provide better value per ml.
Tips to Manage the Vape Tax Impact
If you plan ahead, you can still enjoy vaping without breaking your budget. Here are practical ways to adapt:
1.Use efficient pod systems – Refillable devices like the Doozy Infinity Device help reduce liquid waste.
2.Stick with quality nic salts – Premium salts deliver better flavour and hit, so you use less liquid overall.
3.Buy smart – Look for multi-buy deals or bundles before the tax comes into effect.
4.Maintain your gear – Clean pods and replace coils regularly for consistent performance and flavour.
5.Avoid cheap imports – Stick to trusted UK brands to ensure safety and compliance.
What It Means for the Vape Industry
The tax will affect retailers, manufacturers, and consumers alike. Smaller vape shops may find it harder to compete if prices climb too quickly, while big brands with efficient systems may thrive.
Innovation will become key — expect to see devices and liquids designed to use less e-liquid without losing flavour or satisfaction. Open pod systems that allow you to vape Nic Salts and Long Fills with Salt Shots are likely to dominate this shift.
Final Thoughts
The vape tax will change the vaping landscape in 2026, but it doesn’t have to ruin your experience. With the right setup and smarter choices, users can still enjoy high-quality flavour and nicotine satisfaction while keeping costs manageable.
By being informed, planning ahead, and choosing wisely, you can continue vaping confidently long after the new tax takes effect.
FAQ Section
Will the vape tax make vaping more expensive?
Yes. The new vape tax set for October 2026 will increase the cost of all e-liquids, including nicotine-free options. A 10ml bottle is expected to rise by about £2.20, and larger bottles could see increases of £10 or more once VAT is added.
Does the vape tax apply to nicotine-free e-liquids?
Yes. The tax is based on liquid volume, not nicotine strength, meaning all e-liquids will be affected whether they contain nicotine or not.
When will the UK vape tax start?
The vape tax, officially called the Vaping Products Duty, will begin in October 2026. Retailers and manufacturers will have a transition period to comply with the new duty stamp scheme before full enforcement. All Retailers will have until March 2027 to sell through all products that have not got Tax Stamps on.
Why is the UK government introducing a vape tax?
The vape tax aims to discourage youth vaping, reduce excessive use, and generate revenue for public health initiatives. It’s part of a broader strategy to regulate vaping products more closely and ensure traceability in the supply chain.
How can vapers reduce the impact of the vape tax?
Using efficient, refillable systems such as the Doozy Infinity Device can help reduce liquid consumption. Choosing higher-quality nic salts also provides better satisfaction per puff, meaning you use less liquid over time.
Will disposable vapes be affected by the vape tax?
Yes, although many disposables are expected to face restrictions or bans, any remaining legal disposables will still be taxed. Refillable and open-pod systems are likely to become the more cost-effective option once the tax begins. Disposable type Closed Pod Systems will be the least cost effective method of vaping.
Will the vape tax affect vape shops and brands?
Yes. Retailers and manufacturers will need to adjust prices and apply for tax stamps under the new Vaping Duty Stamp Scheme. Smaller shops may face challenges, while established brands with efficient refillable devices are expected to adapt more easily.