Overview
- Border Force and HMRC would gain on-the-spot powers to seize illegal vapes and issue fines of up to £10,000, with new offences exposing repeat sellers to prison.
- All vapes sold in Britain would be required to carry a digital duty stamp with a QR code so enforcement and consumers can verify authenticity.
- HMRC plans to open registration for UK vape‑liquid manufacturers in April 2026 before stamps become compulsory in October 2026, with a six‑month grace period for retailers.
- Officials frame the package as disrupting organised crime, reducing tax evasion and protecting compliant businesses from illicit competitors.
- Trading Standards estimate more than six million prohibited vapes have been seized in three years, DHSC provided £10 million extra this year, and health and industry groups voiced support for tougher enforcement.