With Vaping Products Duty and the Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme starting on 1 October 2026, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding businesses across the vaping supply chain, including retailers and wholesalers, to prepare for the changes.
However, pharmacies don't have to submit for HMRC approval as it is handled by manufacturers, importers or warehousekeepers.
Retailers and wholesalers should work with their suppliers to ensure the vaping products they stock comply with the new requirements.
They can continue to buy and sell existing eligible unstamped stock during a six-month transition period from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.
However, vaping products manufactured in, or imported into, the UK on or after 1 October 2026 must have a duty stamp.
From 1 April 2027, the retail packaging of all vaping products sold or supplied in the UK must carry a valid vaping duty stamp. Businesses that do not comply with the new rules may face civil or criminal sanctions.
The new excise duty of £2.20 per 10ml applies to all vaping products, whether they contain nicotine or not, and comes into force alongside tobacco duty increases.
On the supply side, HMRC's Director of Indirect Tax, Rachel Nixon, has reminded manufacturers, importers and warehousekeepers that they must have approval in place and be ready to pay the new duty from 1 October 2026.
Digital stamps are available from 1 September 2026, and from 1 January 2027, only digital duty stamps can be affixed to vaping products.
What this means for pharmacy: They will have to check with their suppliers whether the stock they are supplying will carry a valid duty stamp.
While planning inventory, pharmacy owners will have to keep in mind the 31 March 2027 sell-through deadline and 1 April 2027 hard cutoff.
