Ireland’s New Vape Tax Doubles Prices Overnight, Hits Consumers Hard

UPDATE: Vaping prices in Ireland have surged overnight as the new E-liquid Products Tax took effect today, dramatically increasing costs for consumers. The tax adds €0.50 per milliliter to all e-liquid products, impacting both nicotine and non-nicotine vapes across the country.

A standard 2ml disposable vape will now exceed €9, while a typical 10ml refill bottle will skyrocket from around €6 to over €12 once VAT is included. This abrupt price hike is expected to hit young consumers the hardest, as vaping becomes significantly more expensive.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, who announced the tax in September, emphasized its role in protecting public health. “I am pleased to announce the commencement of the E-liquid Products Tax, which will take effect from November 1, 2025,” said Donohoe. “This measure will help address the public health concerns created by the rising prevalence of vapes and related products on the Irish market.”

The tax applies to all suppliers, who must register with Revenue before selling products. This regulation is part of a larger strategy aimed at reducing vaping rates, particularly among teenagers and young adults, many of whom have never smoked traditional cigarettes.

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill stated the necessity of the measure, highlighting that many vaping products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. “Protecting children and young people from these products is a priority for this government,” she asserted. The Department of Finance views the tax as a crucial step in curbing e-cigarette use among youth.

Junior Health Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor added that “the days of cheap vapes are over.” With vapes previously sold for as little as €2, the new tax aims to eliminate these low-cost options that appeal to young consumers.

As Ireland implements this tax, it joins other EU nations in addressing the growing concern over vaping. Countries like Belgium and France have already enacted bans on disposable vapes, and similar legislation is being considered in Ireland. The government is also moving towards banning single-use vapes entirely, restricting packaging, flavors, and retail advertising.

The Department of Finance predicts that this new tax could generate millions in revenue, contributing to broader efforts to reduce smoking and vaping rates across Ireland. As vaping becomes more costly, the immediate impact on youth consumption remains to be seen, but officials hope this will deter young people from adopting this habit.

Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops and the effects of this new tax unfold across the nation.