The 2025 Budget introduces a significant tax on e-liquids, a price hike for cigarettes, and a ban on disposable vapes in Ireland.
As part of the Budget 2025, vapers are set to experience a substantial increase in costs with a new tax on e-liquids. Until now, there has been no excise duty on electronic cigarettes. However, with the introduction of a tax of 50c per ml of e-liquid, prices are expected to rise sharply.
For example, a typical disposable vape that currently costs €8 will now increase to €9.23. More significantly, bottles of e-liquid used for reusable vapes will see a substantial price hike. At present, a standard 10ml bottle of e-liquid ranges from €3 to €5. With the introduction of this new tax, these bottles will now cost an additional €5, pushing the price to between €8 and €10.
For vapers who typically use three 10ml bottles of e-liquid per week, this price hike translates to an extra €780 in annual expenses.
Disposable Vapes to Be Banned
In addition to the tax changes, the government is moving to ban disposable vapes due to their environmental impact and concerns about public health. Earlier this month, the cabinet approved Health Minister Stephen Donnelly’s proposal to draft legislation that places significant restrictions on vaping products in Ireland.
The upcoming legislation will not only prohibit the sale of disposable vapes but will also introduce several other regulations aimed at curbing the appeal of vaping. This includes restrictions on the sale of flavored e-liquids that are particularly attractive to younger users, as well as a ban on point-of-sale advertising in non-specialist shops. Only stores that primarily or exclusively sell vape products will be allowed to display such advertising.
New Vaping Regulations
Under the proposed General Scheme for a Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill, there will be strict limitations on packaging designs, including the use of colors and imagery. Devices that resemble or function as other products, such as toys, will also be prohibited.
In addition, flavor descriptions will be tightly controlled. Only basic flavor names will be allowed, with a restriction on flavors to tobacco only. This list may be updated as new evidence emerges. The legislation will also ban the import, manufacturing, and sale of single-use or disposable vapes entirely.
These measures represent a significant shift in the regulation of vaping products, with the goal of reducing their accessibility and appeal, particularly to younger users.
If the issues outlined in this article are affecting you, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we will do what we can to help you with your situation.