24/09/2025

As most vapers in the UK are now aware, the government plans to introduce a tax of £2.20 per 10ml on all e liquids from October 2026.

However, there are some other important dates that vapers need to be aware of. Here we break down the UK vape tax timeline so everyone knows what’s happening and when.

April 1st 2026:

This date isn’t particularly important for those buying e liquid products, but it is important to those who make them.

From April 1st 2026, UK vape companies will be allowed to register their intention to manufacture vape products beyond October 2026, and if approved, will be able to purchase tax stamps to apply to their products.

October 1st 2026:

From this date, all products subject to the vape tax will need a valid tax stamp to be manufactured or imported into the UK legally.

Products that are subject to the vape tax include all 10ml e liquid, shortfills, Longfills, and any other e liquid product intended for vaping purposes. This includes Flavour Concentrates, Flavour Shots, Nicotine Shots and PG/VG. Flavourings and PG/VG intended for other uses will not be required to be tax stamped.

October 1st 2026 – April 1st 2027:

These 6 months have been designated to be what’s called a ‘Grace Period’. This grace period will allow companies to sell off any stock produced before October 2026 that isn’t tax stamped.

This means that consumers can still buy their favourite products at the same price as before October 2026.

However, as companies can no longer manufacture products without tax stamps during this period, customers may notice reduced availability of certain items.

April 1st 2027 Onwards:

After this date, all e liquid products manufactured or imported into the UK must be tax stamped. Selling or manufacturing any non complaint stock after April 2027 will be a criminal offence.

Many of the flavours currently available will still be available after this date, but will be more expensive as the vape tax will be fully implemented.

If you have any questions about this article or the UK vape tax generally, feel free to get in touch.