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4 November 2026

Exposed Magazine

The UK vaping market has entered a new period following the introduction of Vaping Products Duty on 1 October 2026. The duty applies to vaping liquid made in or imported into the UK, whether it contains nicotine or not. It is charged at £2.20 per 10ml, which is equivalent to 22p per millilitre.

For adult vapers, the change may affect the prices they see in shops and online. However, there is no single price increase that applies to every vape. The duty is paid by businesses in the supply chain, and the final retail price depends on factors such as supplier costs, stock, product format and each retailer’s pricing decisions. Customers may therefore see different prices across products and retailers.

What the duty means for shoppers

The duty is calculated according to the amount of vaping liquid in a product. For example, a product containing 2ml of liquid carries 44p in duty, while 10ml of liquid carries £2.20. These amounts describe the duty itself; they do not determine the final shop price. VAT and other costs also contribute to the price customers pay.

This makes it useful to compare products by more than their headline price. Check the amount of liquid, what comes in the package and whether the product requires compatible pods, coils or e-liquid. A lower purchase price may not represent the lowest overall cost if the replacement parts are expensive or difficult to find.

The amount of liquid also does not guarantee how long a product will last. Usage differs between people, so advertised puff counts should not be treated as a precise measure of a product’s lifespan.

Why prices may vary

Retailers may have stock purchased at different times, while suppliers can have different costs and distribution arrangements. Some products may see a price change sooner than others. In addition, the duty is only one part of the overall retail price.

When comparing products, consider the listed price alongside the product’s format, compatibility and replacement costs. Check whether the device is included or whether the listing is for replacement pods only. Reading the product details can help avoid paying for parts that are not suitable for a device you already own.

Adult customers looking through Hayati Vapes should review each individual product listing to see what it is, what is included and how it is designed to be used. A brand or category page may include different product formats, so the product details matter.

Duty stamps and packaging

The new duty system also includes vaping duty stamps. Products manufactured in, or imported into, the UK for the UK market from 1 October 2026 generally need a duty stamp, subject to the relevant arrangements. Eligible older unstamped stock can be sold during a transition period ending on 31 March 2027. From 1 April 2027, vaping products sold or supplied in the UK must carry a valid stamp on their retail packaging.

During this transition, customers may see different packaging on products. If something is unclear, asking the retailer about the product and its packaging is a sensible step. The appearance of one pack alone may not tell the full story, particularly while eligible older stock is still moving through the market.

Reusable products and changing choices

The new duty is not the only change affecting product choice. Businesses have been prohibited from selling single-use vapes in the UK since 1 June 2025. Reusable vapes can still be sold, but shoppers should check that a device is designed to be recharged and reused, and that the product meets current UK requirements.

This has made it more important to understand how a product works before buying it. Some systems use refillable tanks, while others use prefilled pods that are replaced when empty. These formats suit different preferences. A refillable kit may give a user more choice over e-liquid, while a prefilled pod system may appeal to someone who prefers not to refill a tank.

People considering Hayati pro max plus pods should check the listing to confirm which device they fit, how many pods are included and whether they match the device they already own. Compatibility should never be assumed from a similar product name.

A practical price comparison

A useful comparison can include the initial device price, the cost of compatible replacements, delivery charges and product availability. If you already own a device, check the price of its pods or coils before ordering. If you are choosing a new system, look at the price of the device and the parts you may need later.

It can also help to compare products with similar formats and liquid amounts. A device and a replacement pod are not equivalent purchases, so make sure you are comparing like with like. Product descriptions and retailer support can help clarify what a listing includes.

What to expect next

Vaping Products Duty is now part of the UK market’s cost structure, but its impact will not necessarily be identical across brands and products. Shoppers may see price differences as retailers and suppliers adjust to the new arrangements.

The best way to make an informed choice is to check the details: what the product is, how much liquid it contains, which parts it needs and whether those parts are compatible with your device. Comparing the full cost of a system can be more useful than focusing only on the price of a single purchase.