Doom and gloom could be on the horizon for European vapers.

The EU are proposing a block wide tax to combat smoking and reduce its prevalence across he union. This is bad news for EU vapers, as the planned tax will also impact vapers. If put into place, the new levy would see all tobacco products duty double from €1.80 to €3.60 on a 20 pack of cigarettes. But, the bill also suggests raising the tax on vaping to match that of tobacco products[1]. Let’s take a closer look at what this EU vape tax means for vapers.

The Impact of the Levy on Vaping
The update to the 2011 EU tobacco taxation directive would increase the taxation of vaping products. Even lower strength nicotine would face and additional 20% increase. This push aims to aid in the EU’s plan for a ‘tobacco-free generation’ by 2040. Whilst this plan is similar to the UK’s ‘smoke-free 2030’ campaign, it’s taking the complete opposite direction.
It will spell disaster for vaping as a safer alternative if this proposal is agreed by all EU member states. Nicotine is an extremely addictive substance. Whilst seeking to reduce the appeal of combustible cigarettes has an obvious and desirable effect, equally penalising vaping/vapers as an affordable and safe alternative is entirely counter productive. The UK cited as one the leaders in tobacco control, has and continues to advocate the role of vaping as a safer alternative, in part based on the fact that it has been shown to be the most effective form of NRT in helping smokers quit[2].
The World Vapers’ Alliance Director Michael Landl has spoken out against the plan stating “the [EU] Commission claims that higher taxes will improve public health, but the reality is the exact opposite”[3]. Landl isn’t the only one to publicly speak out against the bill. As reported by ASH, the total cost of smoking on society totals £17.04 billion. With £2.4 billion of this is being spent on health and social care alone[4].
Our Thoughts
Personally, this is an incredibly frustrating proposal. Whilst I understand the necessary individual considerations that member states must undertake when considering their own tailored regulation; treating vaping under the same umbrella controls as combustible cigarettes is nonsensical. The wealth of evidence that now exists from those countries leading the tobacco control agenda, such as the UK or New Zealand is both comprehensive, and informed through years of evidenced based science. Whilst many sensationalist stories continue to circulate, which only form to distort the positive evidence that exists, it is a sorry state of affairs when those whom we entrust to navigate truth from fallacy, are potentially undermining the positive opportunities to guide smokers and the wider public through misplaced regulation.
In Conclusion
We really don’t know what lies ahead for vaping in Europe. Firstly, this tax might not even come into effect; as it has to be agreed upon by all member of the EU. Also, we’re not a part of the EU anymore. So, the UK government may choose to not implement the suggested EU vape tax. All we know for certain is that our government are keen to embrace vaping as a safer smoking alternative. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and eyes on the horizon.
If there are any more important updates regarding changes that might effect vapers, we’ll always keep you informed via the TECC.co.uk blog.
Sources
[1] Business Standard. (2022). Rise in cigarette taxes, first EU-wide vaping levy on the cards.
[2] Hartmann-Boyce, J et al. (2022). Electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation.
[3] Tobacco Reporter. (2022). Vape Group Denounces EU Vape Tax Proposal.
[4] Action on Smoking Health. (2022). Smoking costs society £17bn – £5bn more than previously estimated.