Subject: Endorsement of Budget 2025’s Vaping Measures and Suggestions for Further Actions
Dear Editor,
BAT Ireland is in agreement with the government’s announced intention to introduce excise charges on vaping devices and e-liquids as part of the 2025 Budget. Instituting an excise system could significantly enhance the regulation and oversight of this rapidly growing market.
It has become blatantly evident that counterfeit and illegal vaping devices and products are being sold across Ireland. Such illicit activities are taking place in gadget repair shops and stores selling mobile phone accessories nationwide. Many of these products lack the mandatory health warnings stipulated by Irish laws, contain higher nicotine and liquid levels than permitted and lack the necessary HSE notifications.
The accessibility of illegal products on the black market significantly contributes to vaping among individuals under the age of 18. This issue is a lucrative opportunity for dishonest traders benefitting from sales to underage customers.
Currently, Ireland does not have a system to monitor the confiscation of illegal vape devices. This absence of oversight means that the government is unable to grasp the gravity of the problem at hand.
In response, the government has hinted that it might consider implementing such a monitoring system if the proposed vaping excise laws are enacted. This potential action would be a well-implemented step, provided it is supported by the recently legislated prohibition on vape sales to individuals under 18 which was passed last December.
However, the efficacy of all new legislation lies in its enforcement, and in order to sufficiently combat the problem of illicit vaping, we suggest the immediate implementation of the government’s proposed retail licensing system for tobacco and vaping products. This would constitute necessary scrutiny, particularly for phone shops intending to sell vaping goods and would require them to procure a pertinent licence.
Importantly, such a licence should be subject to cancellation in instances where vendors are found dealing in non-compliant goods or selling to underage customers.
For the new vape taxes to be effective and not solely beneficial to illegal traders, they ought to be complemented by additional steps, including retail licensure and routine inspections to ensure compliance.
Kind regards,
David Melinn
Country Manager, BAT Ireland (PJ Carroll & Company)
Dublin 18