Jersey Introduces New Vape Duty to Curb Youth Use

A new tax on vape products is being introduced in Jersey as part of efforts to address rising e-cigarette use among young people.

The measure, approved in the most recent Budget, will add £2 to every 10ml of vape liquid. Officials say the move is designed to discourage uptake while maintaining vaping as a lower-cost alternative for smokers trying to quit.

Recent figures show that more than half of adults aged 16 to 34 have experimented with e-cigarettes at least once. This follows an earlier step taken in August 2025, when authorities banned the sale of single-use vapes.

Under the new rules, an excise duty of £0.20 per milli-litre will apply to all vape liquids imported into the island, regardless of whether they contain nicotine.

The government said the policy forms part of a broader strategy to reduce the harms associated with nicotine consumption and smoking, while still supporting those who use vaping as a tool to stop smoking.

Changes will also affect travellers. Individuals aged 17 and over will now be allowed to bring in up to 50ml of vape liquid duty-free, in addition to existing allowances. Any undeclared quantities above this limit risk being confiscated in full.

Businesses, retailers and private individuals importing vape products by freight or post must declare them to the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service and pay the required goods and services tax along with the new duty.

Authorities have warned that failure to declare imports correctly could lead to seized goods and, in cases of repeated or deliberate violations, possible prosecution.