If you’ve been keeping an eye on the news lately, you’ll know that the UK vaping landscape is about to undergo its biggest shift since the TPD regulations. On October 1st, 2026, the new Vaping Products Duty officially kicks in.
For many of us, vaping has been the ultimate "double win": a way to leave cigarettes behind and a way to save thousands of pounds a year. With the new tax adding a flat rate of £2.20 per 10ml of e-liquid (plus VAT), you might be wondering if your monthly budget is about to go up in smoke.
The good news? With a little bit of strategy and a move toward high-efficiency products, you can still vape affordably. Here is how to navigate the 2026 tax hike without breaking the bank.
Understanding the "Volume Tax"
The most important thing to understand about the 2026 duty is that it is based on volume (ml), not nicotine strength. Whether you are vaping 3mg or 20mg, the tax remains the same: 22p per millilitre.
This creates a clear "cost-of-living" winner: Nicotine Salts.
Because Nic Salts (like our award-winning Pod Salt range) are absorbed into the bloodstream faster and provide a smoother throat hit at higher strengths, you typically need to vape less liquid to feel satisfied. If you switch from a high-volume "cloud chasing" setup (burning 10ml a day) to a refined pod system using Nic Salts (using 2ml a day), your tax burden drops by 80%.
The April Warning: Why "Buying British" Matters Now
While the official tax lands in October, vapers should keep their eyes on April 2026. This is when we expect to see a significant price jump for Chinese-manufactured e-liquids.
New administrative hurdles and the introduction of the "Duty Stamp" regime mean that importing liquids from overseas is becoming more complex and expensive. Shipping costs are rising, and those "budget" imported brands are likely to see their prices climb well before the October deadline.
By choosing British-made e-liquids like Pod Salt, you’re cutting out the middleman. Because we manufacture right here in the UK, our supply chain is streamlined and stable. Shopping British isn't just about quality control; in 2026, it’s the smartest way to avoid the "import premium" and keep your daily costs predictable.
3 Ways to Future-Proof Your Vape Budget
1. Ditch the Disposables
If you’re still using "puff bars," 2026 is the year to stop. Not only are they being phased out for environmental reasons, but they are also the most expensive way to pay the new tax. Moving to a refillable pod kit allows you to buy 10ml bottles of Pod Salt, which offers significantly more value per puff.
2. Focus on "MTL" (Mouth-to-Lung)
High-wattage devices that produce massive clouds also consume massive amounts of e-liquid. In a post-tax world, these "juice guzzlers" will be expensive to run. Switching to a low-wattage MTL device—like a Vaporesso XROS or an Oxva Xlim—paired with a high-quality salt will give you the same satisfaction for a fraction of the liquid.
3. Watch for the "Grace Period"
The government has allowed a "sell-through" period until March 31, 2027. This means retailers can continue to sell stock that was manufactured before the tax deadline. Toward the end of 2026, keep an eye out for bulk-buy deals on non-stamped Pod Salt stock. It’s a great way to lock in "old prices" for as long as possible.
The Bottom Line
Change is coming, but vaping remains the most effective tool for smokers to quit and a significantly cheaper alternative to combustible tobacco. By switching to high-efficiency Nic Salts and supporting UK-based manufacturing, you can stay ahead of the tax man while enjoying the premium flavours you love.
Ready to find your new "All-Day Vape"? [Explore the Pod Salt Core range] and see why quality and efficiency are the perfect match for 2026.
