{"id":16474,"date":"2024-03-11T15:54:47","date_gmt":"2024-03-11T15:54:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clearingtheair.eu\/uk-vape-tax-is-a-huge-step-backwards-action-groups-warn\/"},"modified":"2025-01-07T12:14:05","modified_gmt":"2025-01-07T12:14:05","slug":"uk-vape-tax-is-a-huge-step-backwards-action-groups-warn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/clearingtheair.eu\/es\/post\/uk-vape-tax-is-a-huge-step-backwards-action-groups-warn\/","title":{"rendered":"UK vape tax is a \u201chuge step backwards,\u201d action groups warn"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/div>
news<\/div>\n

A new tax on vapes unveiled in the UK\u2019s spring Budget contradicts the country\u2019s aim to be a world leader on smoking cessation, campaign groups warn.<\/strong><\/p>\n

British Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced the levy on the smoking alternatives in a bid to make them unaffordable for children. <\/p>\n

The move – which is set to take effect from October 2026 – will bring in more than \u00a3445 million a year for the UK treasury by 2028-29.<\/p>\n

However, vape action groups say the move is a \u201chuge step backwards\u201d in the UK\u2019s bid to become a world leader on smoking cessation. They say the tax will put lives at risk as higher prices will put people off using vapes as a tool to give up smoking. <\/p>\n

Michael Landl, Head of World Vapers\u2019 Alliance, said: \u201cCost is a high determinant for switching to less harmful options and this will only make alternative products less affordable. It\u2019s illogical to discuss reducing taxes for individuals while simultaneously raising taxes on smoking cessation aids.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust last year, the UK government took a pioneering step in harm reduction policy by introducing the innovative \u2018Swap to Stop\u2019 program. The new tax increase is a huge step backwards and risks leading to the growth of the black market and illicit trade in e-cigarettes and other nicotine-containing products.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cThe UK should follow the example of Sweden which last year lowered the tax on snus, its leading harm reduction product. Now, Sweden is about to become the first smoke-free country in the world. The UK could be the leader of smoking cessation thanks to vaping.\u201d <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Under current rules, vapes are subject to 20 per cent VAT but not a specific tax like normal cigarettes are.<\/p>\n

A 12-week consultation on the new proposal is to be held, but the tax could see e-liquids with more nicotine content taxed more highly:<\/p>\n

\u00a31 per 10ml for nicotine free e-liquids<\/p>\n

\u00a32 per 10ml for e-liquids containing nicotine at concentrations between 0.1 to 10.9mg per ml<\/p>\n

\u00a33 per 10ml for e-liquids containing nicotine at concentrations 11mg per ml, or above<\/p>\n

However, campaign groups warn that taxing higher strength nicotine will backfire as it will simply encourage more frequent use of lower strength vapes, which carries greater risk. \u200d<\/a><\/p>\n

Research shows<\/a> that vapers using lower strength nicotine vapes engage in \u201ccompensatory puffing\u201d and double their consumption compared to higher strength vapes. Critics say the tax will create the biggest barrier for people wanting to switch from smoking, as the highest strength vapes will be the most expensive. <\/p>\n

It will also hit the hardest up, hardest. For example, if you buy e-liquid from Poundland – a shop popular with people on a tight budget – it will go from \u00a31 to \u00a34 with the extra tax.<\/p>\n

The latest move follows a new proposed UK law to ban disposable vapes and certain flavours, and enforce plain packaging. <\/p>\n

The New Nicotine Alliance says the tax is more evidence of the UK government \u201cunravelling its world-leading harm reduction strategies.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a statement, it says: \u201cThe New Nicotine Alliance is disappointed that the government is abandoning opportunity after opportunity to increase the chances of achieving its own Smoke-free 2030 goal. In just a few short weeks, the UK government has undone its former position as a world-leader in reducing the prevalence of smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n

What can I do?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The new tax on vapes isn\u2019t certain to happen – yet. You can have your say by responding to the government\u2019s consultation, which closes on May 29, 2024. <\/p>\n

The Vaping Products Duty Consultation sets out the proposals for how the duty will be designed and put into practice.<\/p>\n

Give your response by using the template here<\/a> and emailing it to vapingproductsduty@hmrc.gov.uk.<\/p>\n

Write to your MP <\/strong><\/p>\n

Writing to politicians is a powerful way to raise awareness of the importance of vaping as a tool to help beat smoking. <\/p>\n

The UK Vaping Association provides a useful email template here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Find your local MP here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can also join the conversation about vaping laws and taxes on social media.<\/p>\n

UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt:<\/strong><\/p>\n

X: <\/strong>@Jeremy_Hunt<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Instagram: <\/strong>JeremyHuntMP<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Facebook: <\/strong>Facebook.com\/jeremyhuntGandA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

UK Health Secretary Victoria Atkins<\/strong><\/p>\n

X: @<\/strong>VictoriaAtkins<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Instagram: <\/strong>VictoriaAtkinsMP<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Facebook: <\/strong>Facebook.com\/VictoriaAtkinsOfficial<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\u200d<\/p>\n

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