Vape prices to rise as new tax takes effect
The UK government has introduced a new tax on vaping products, adding £2.20 per 10ml of e-liquid to discourage use among young people. While the industry argues this hinders smoking cessation, the government maintains the tax is necessary to address health concerns.
Why it matters
This policy reflects a global trend of governments using fiscal measures to curb the rising popularity of vaping among youth populations.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The government is trying to make vaping more expensive and less appealing to young people
The price of vapes is set to rise as a new tax comes into effect, with the aim of making vaping less attractive to children and young people.
The Vaping Product Duty will be imposed at a rate of £2.20 per 10ml of e-liquid. However, many customers will not see a jump in prices immediately, as sellers have six months to sell old stock at the pre-duty price.
The government wants to reduce the appeal of vapes by making them more expensive, as more evidence of its adverse effect on health comes out, particularly on children and young people.
The vaping industry has lobbied against the new tax, saying that affordable vapes help people to quit smoking.
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