The U.K. Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has voiced strong objections against the Conservative Party’s proposed plan to impose a vape tax based on nicotine strength, which could increase the cost of some vaping products by more than 300%. This move, according to the UKVIA, threatens to reverse the significant progress made in helping millions of smokers quit.
Impact of Nicotine-Strength Based Tax on Smokers
UKVIA’s submission to the government’s vaping duty consultation highlights that such a tax regime would unfairly burden nicotine-dependent smokers who are trying to quit by making higher strength vaping products more expensive. This is particularly concerning given that many smokers already overestimate the risks associated with vaping compared to smoking. The association fears that the proposed tax could decrease the rate of successful quit attempts, particularly among those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who are disproportionately affected by such policies.
Economic Implications and Proposed Alternatives
Supporting their stance, the UKVIA cites findings from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Research Report Number 740, “Understanding the Vaping Market,” which indicates that less affluent adults are more likely to vape, often motivated by the cost savings compared to smoking. The report also notes that doubling the price of vaping products could lead 62% of current vapers to reduce their usage significantly.
In response, the UKVIA proposes a more equitable taxation method based on e-liquid quantity rather than nicotine strength. They suggest a specific sales tax of £1 ($1.25) per 10 mL on all vaping products and nicotine levels, arguing that this would be more effective in achieving the government’s objectives without disproportionately impacting those who rely on higher nicotine strengths.
Supporting Smokers in Their Quit Journey
The association emphasizes that smokers, especially those who are more nicotine dependent, often need higher nicotine concentrations initially in their quit journey. They argue that these individuals should not be deterred from quitting due to the higher costs associated with purchasing the necessary e-liquids.
Conclusion
The UKVIA’s call to action underscores the need for a balanced approach to vaping regulation—one that supports public health goals without penalizing those who are using vaping as a tool to quit smoking. The proposed nicotine-strength based tax, they argue, would undermine these efforts and could have unintended negative consequences for public health, particularly among economically disadvantaged groups.
For more insights into vaping regulations and their impact, follow our ongoing coverage and join the conversation on how best to support smokers looking to transition to less harmful alternatives.
