From 1 November 2025, vaping in Ireland will get a lot more expensive. The Government has confirmed a new 50c per millilitre tax on vape liquid, a move set to reshape the country’s vaping market — and spark fierce debate about public health, personal choice, and addiction.
Why the New Vape Tax Is Being Introduced
Announced by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe as part of Budget 2025, the new tax will apply to all e-liquids, whether they contain nicotine or not. The Government says it’s part of Ireland’s ongoing effort to protect public health and tackle the rapid rise in vaping, particularly among teenagers and young adults.
“Ireland has been consistent in its tobacco control measures, and it is important that such consistency extends to new substitute products,” said Minister Donohoe.
All suppliers of e-liquids will now be required to register with Revenue before selling their products in Ireland and will have to account for and pay the tax directly.
While the European Union is still working on a continent-wide vaping tax, Ireland is joining a growing number of member states choosing to act independently in the meantime.
“Protecting Children and Young People”
The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, welcomed the new measure, saying the long-term health risks of vaping are still not fully understood.
“We do not know the long-term harms of vaping products, and most contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Protecting children and young people from these products is a priority for this Government,” she said.
The new levy is part of a much wider government plan to make vapes less appealing and accessible. Upcoming legislation will restrict flavours, packaging, retail advertising, and displays, while a ban on single-use vapes is also expected.
Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor added that some vapes currently sell for as little as €2, saying the new tax will help stop products being available at “pocket money prices.”
What It Means for Everyday Vapers
For consumers, the cost increase will be hard to ignore. A 10ml bottle of vape liquid, which might currently cost €5–6, will face an extra €5 in tax alone — effectively doubling its price.
This could make vaping as expensive as smoking, undermining one of the main reasons many adults switched in the first place.
Some public health experts worry that raising prices too sharply could discourage smokers from switching to less harmful alternatives, while others argue the move is essential to stop young people taking up the habit in the first place.
Vape Shops Face an Uncertain Future
Small independent vape shops — already under pressure from online competition and changing regulations — are likely to be hit hardest. They’ll need to register with the authorities, manage new paperwork, and adapt to major changes in pricing and consumer behaviour.
There’s also growing concern that the tax could fuel the black market, with unregulated and potentially unsafe products being sold through informal or illegal channels. Recent investigations have already revealed the scale of Ireland’s illicit vape trade, which could expand further once the new tax kicks in.
Could the Policy Backfire?
Critics warn that while the intention behind the tax is good, it could have unintended consequences. Higher prices may push people towards cheaper, untested imports, while failing to address the root causes of youth vaping — such as online marketing and peer influence.
Supporters, however, say the policy is an essential step towards reducing nicotine addiction and protecting future generations.
Either way, the measure represents a major turning point in Ireland’s approach to vaping.
A New Era for Ireland’s Vaping Market
Ireland’s new 50c per ml vape tax isn’t just about revenue — it’s a public health statement. The Government wants to send a clear message that vaping is not risk-free, and that tighter control is needed to protect young people and the wider public.
But with prices set to soar and legitimate retailers under strain, the policy’s success will depend on how well it’s enforced and whether it truly changes behaviour.
Come 1 November 2025, Ireland’s vaping landscape will look very different — for consumers, for retailers, and for public health as a whole.