While some restrictions on vapes were placed as part of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhalation Products) Bill, the impending tax on the products has been repealed.
Ireland’s finance minister, Michael McGrath, has decided to delay the impending implementation of a vape tax over concerns that it could discourage smokers from using e-cigarettes as a tool to quit smoking . Finance and health officials have expressed the need to strike a balance, discouraging young people from taking up e-cigarettes while supporting current smokers to use vapes to switch from traditional cigarettes.
The World Vapers Alliance (WVA) has praised the decision and called on the Irish Government to maintain differential taxation between vapes and cigarettes. WVA director Michael Landl stressed that the risk profile of vaping products is significantly lower than that of combustible cigarettes and that taxation must be linked to the risk of the product to encourage smokers to switch to safer alternatives.
Why Vape Taxes Are Counterproductive
Research has shown that increasing the vape tax could lead to higher smoking rates, especially among young people. The Irish Treasury has also expressed concerns about vapers turning to the black market if the tax is introduced. The tax has been postponed without a specific date, as the government awaits an EU framework to facilitate its implementation. The update to the EU Tobacco Tax Directive is expected to include an EU-wide excise tax on vaping products.
In line with the above, Landl stressed that taxing vaping products in the same way as cigarettes would have a negative impact on public health by potentially pushing vapers back to smoking or the black market , while also discouraging smokers from making the switch. He recommended that other countries and the EU follow Ireland’s example and not implement a vape tax.
Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhalation Products) Bill
Meanwhile, as of 21 December, a new law in Ireland makes it illegal to sell vapes to anyone under the age of 18. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has received Cabinet approval for the measure, which carries penalties of up to €4,000 in fines and up to six months in prison for breaches. The age reinstatement is part of the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhalation Products) Bill, which also bans the sale of tobacco and nicotine products at children’s events and the provision of these items.
In addition to banning sales to minors, the legislation introduces a strict licensing system, prohibits advertising of these products around schools and on public transport, and gives the Environmental Health Service additional enforcement powers. The comprehensive measures aim to tackle adult smoking and vaping while protecting minors.
Health Minister Donnelly expressed his gratitude for the support in passing the bill and pledged to commence the remaining measures that are part of the bill (namely advertising regulation and a licensing system) in 2024. He added that the outcome of a public consultation on further vaping and tobacco control measures would be addressed.
Effective methods
Meanwhile, countries such as Sweden and the UK have achieved low smoking rates through successful tobacco harm reduction strategies, supporting the use of safer nicotine alternatives such as snus and vaping.
The availability and promotion of less harmful alternatives, along with educational campaigns, have played a key role in the success of these countries . This approach recognises that nicotine itself is not the main harm, focusing instead on reducing the risks associated with combustible tobacco use.
Ireland Discards Proposed Vape Tax in the Name of Tobacco Harm Reduction - Vaping Post
