Vape Industry News And Blogs

Every few years, something lands in the UK vaping market that genuinely changes the maths. Not a new brand, not a new coil, not a flavour ban rumour. Something structural. Something that rewrites what you actually pay at checkout. The 2026 Vaping Products Duty (VPD) is that thing, and unlike most regulatory changes that creep in gradually, this one hits in a single step. No phased introduction. No gradual price creep. A simple flat duty on each millilitre of vaping liquid sold in the UK, beginning 1 October 2026. If you vape regularly and haven't yet worked out when does vape tax start, or how the timeline affects the products you normally use, this article is for you.

Most UK vapers know the vape tax is coming. Far fewer know what it actually does to the price of their specific products. A 10ml nic salt that costs £2.49 today could see a significant price increase after October once Vaping Products Duty (VPD) and VAT costs are reflected in the retail price. A £11.99 50ml shortfill could see a substantial increase once the £11.00 VPD and VAT and any associated retail pricing changes are reflected.

And if you vape 0mg nicotine-free liquid, thinking you’re outside the scope of the tax, you’re not. The Vaping Products Duty taxes every millilitre of e-liquid at the same rate regardless of nicotine content. This article cuts through the noise and gets right down to what you'll pay, which products have the highest price increases, and how you can take advantage of the six-month window from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.

You've almost certainly already heard the news. From 1 October 2026, vaping liquid placed on the UK market will be subject to vaping products duty at 22p per ml, regardless of nicotine content. However, the impact on your overall vaping costs can vary depending on whether you use prefilled pods or a refillable system.

Both formats are subject to the same duty rate per millilitre, but the way you buy and replace your vaping liquid can make a significant difference to your overall costs. This guide looks at refillable vs prefilled pods cost after the tax comes into effect and where potential savings may be found. 

Picture your usual 100ml shortfill sitting at roughly £10 to £15 today. From 1 October 2026, a 100ml bottle will be subject to £22 in vaping products duty before considering the VAT and any additional retail price impact. Add two 10ml nic shots and the total volume increases to 120ml, resulting in £26.40 in vaping products duty. The actual increase in the price you pay will depend on how the duty and VAT are passed on by retailers.

The new duty takes effect on 1 October 2026, although eligible unstamped stock produced or imported before that date can continue to be sold during the transitional period until 31 March 2027. For regular shortfill users, that makes September an important point to review existing favourites and consider reasonable stock levels before the new duty comes into effect.

The vape tax is the UK’s new Vaping Products Duty on vaping liquid. It starts on 1 October 2026, applies at a flat rate of £2.20 per 10ml, and covers nicotine and nicotine-free liquids intended for vaping.

That means the extra cost will not be the same across every format. A 2ml pod, a 10ml bottle, and a 12ml prefilled refill system all attract different duty amounts because the new tax on vapes is based on liquid volume, not just the device name or puff count.

People are talking about the Hyola Ultra 30k because it quietly makes sense. Not because it is flashy or trying to be different, but because it lines up with how most people actually vape now. A lot of users are tired of buying disposables over and over again, but they also do not want something complicated. They want the same ease, just with more life in it. That is where this kit fits in.

Another big reason is trust. Vapers are starting to care less about features and more about whether a device stays consistent. They want the flavour to taste the same after a week as it did on day one. They want the draw to feel familiar every time. The Hyola Ultra 30k keeps things simple and does not try to do too much, which is why it keeps coming up in everyday conversations.

The UK vape market has shifted in a big way this year. With disposables slowly being phased out and pod systems becoming smarter, stronger and far more flavour-focused, 2026 has quickly become the year of the vape pods. What started as a convenient alternative has now turned into the go-to option for vapers who want better value, better flavour and a device they can rely on every single day.

Thanks to major improvements in coil technology, battery performance and pod design, today’s vape kits can deliver the same satisfying flavour that made disposables so popular,  but with cleaner performance and much lower running costs. Whether you prefer something simple and prefilled or a refillable device you can personalise, brands like Vaporess pods, OXVA pods, Elf Bar pods, SKE, and Hayati pods, IVG have all stepped up with impressive releases this year.

So whether you’re switching away from disposables, starting your vaping journey or just looking for an upgrade, the 2026 lineup has something for every style and preference. In this guide, we break down the best vape pods in the UK right now, what makes them stand out, and how to find the one that suits you best.

The Most Popular Vape Pods Range 

The UK vape market has shifted in a noticeable way this year. With disposables being phased out and brands pushing harder than ever on flavour quality, battery performance and overall design, 2025 has become a standout year for vape kits. The latest devices feel more refined, more consistent and far better suited for everyday use, giving vapers a level of reliability that simply wasn’t there before.

What makes this year especially interesting is how different brands have approached their upgrades. Some, like Hayati, Elux, Elf Bar and SKE Crystal, have taken the bold, sweet flavours people loved in disposables and built proper reusable kits around them. Others,  Vaporesso, OXVA, Hyola, and Aspire, have focused on stronger coil technology, smoother airflow and premium build quality for users who want something more advanced. IVG sits comfortably in the middle, offering clean flavour and stable performance without leaning too far in either direction.

Whether you’re switching from disposables, looking for a more reliable daily kit or simply ready for something that delivers better flavour and battery life, 2026 offers more good choices than ever. Let’s go through the top vape kits of 2026 and see what each one brings to the table so you can find the one that feels right for you.

The Most Popular Vape Kit Range 

Understanding how many nicotine pouches per day you might use isn’t always straightforward because everyone’s habits are different. You might prefer a few low-strength pouches across the day, while someone else uses higher strengths less often.

You may simply want a routine that feels steady, manageable, and comfortable without overusing nicotine. Factors like strength, tolerance, and how long each pouch lasts all shape your daily pattern, so there’s no single number that works for everyone. This guide walks you through typical usage ranges, the key things that influence how many pouches you use per day, and how to find a level that fits your own nicotine needs responsibly. If you’re completely new to pouches, you can also read our guide on what are nicotine pouches to understand how they work.