Labour warned illegal 'mega puff' vapes are fuelling hundreds of fires as new vaping tax hits TODAY

From the Newshound archive · first published 30 September 2026 · last updated 1 October 2026.

Britain's 5.5 million vapers face bills rising by up to £600 a year after a new £2.20-per-10ml duty on e-liquid came into force on Thursday — but experts are now warning Labour that illegal 'mega puff' devices are causing hundreds of fires, with a surge in even cheaper illicit devices feared imminently. The tax, which also adds 44p to a pack of 20 cigarettes, is designed to make vaping less attractive to young people while keeping it cheaper than smoking. Most vapers will not see higher prices straight away, given that retailers have a six-month window to sell through existing stock before a traceable duty stamp becomes mandatory in April.

Illegal vapes are already a growing menace on UK high streets, with authorities fearing the new tax will drive more buyers toward untaxed black-market devices.

From October 29, selling nicotine products and vapes to anyone under 18 becomes a criminal offence, and adults who buy vapes on behalf of minors will face the same legal jeopardy.

Vapers who followed government advice to switch from cigarettes as a healthier alternative say they now feel they are being sent 'the bill' for doing so.