Ireland’s new tax on vapes puts smokers’ lives at risk and is a “setback in the fight against tobacco”, according to international health experts.
Last week the Irish government announced a major new levy of 50 cents per millilitre (ml) of e-liquid as part of its annual budget. The tax is far above the European average of €0.10 to €0.30, and will add €1.23 to the cost of a typical vape in Ireland.
Dr Delon Human, global harm reduction expert and leader of campaign group Smoke Free Sweden, said Ireland should instead be following the successful approach of Sweden. There, vaping is widely encouraged as a far safer alternative to smoking and the country is now on the verge of being declared ‘smoke free.’
Sweden’s contrasting approach
He said: “Sweden is on the brink of achieving smoke-free status as a result of its progressive approach to safer alternatives like vaping. This contrasts sharply with Ireland’s approach, where smoking rates remain four times higher.”
Through the promotion of safer alternatives like snus, nicotine pouches and vapes, Sweden has dramatically reduced its smoking rates by more than half (55 percent) over the past decade. This has led to a staggering 44 percent fewer tobacco-related deaths compared to the rest of the EU.
“In stark contrast,” said Dr Human, “Ireland’s new levy will discourage smokers from switching to less harmful options, potentially keeping them addicted to cigarettes and condemning them to unnecessary premature death.”
Tax not backed by public
According to a recent Irish public consultation, only 10 percent of people supported increasing taxes on vaping above the European Union (EU) average, while 39 percent warned that higher prices would push consumers to source vapes abroad.
“By raising taxes on safer alternatives, Ireland jeopardises its hopes of reducing smoking rates,” Human said. “If Ireland truly wants to cut smoking and save lives, it should follow Sweden’s lead in promoting harm reduction, not penalise smokers for trying to quit.”
The tax in Ireland follows a similar levy set to come into force in the UK. There, e-liquids will be taxed from the 1st October 2026 by £1 (€1.20) per 10ml if nicotine free, £2 (€2.40) per 10ml if up to 10.9mg, or £3 (€3.60) per 10ml if 11mg or stronger.
The Ireland tax translates to €2.50 per 10ml, whatever the strength.
Disposable vapes and flavours also face ban
The move comes as disposable vapes and most flavours are set to be banned in Ireland. Earlier this month, cabinet approval was given to draft laws tabled by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.
Under the proposed General Scheme for a Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill, which is expected to be approved, the sale, manufacture or import of single-use or disposable vapes will be illegal in Ireland.
There will be restrictions on colours and imagery on packaging and devices, as well as a ban on devices resembling or functioning as other products, such as toys or games.
