Vape warning as money-saving hack to become illegal in UK

New rules come into force on Thursday, October 1, making it illegal to mix vape liquids from non-duty paid ingredients unless the mixing takes place at an HMRC-approved premises.

The change affects people who create DIY vape juices using base liquids and flavour concentrates.

According to HMRC guidance, the rule applies to “the mixing of non-duty paid liquids to produce a liquid to be used in a vape, even if not produced for commercial sale.”

Anyone found in breach could face civil or criminal penalties, including the possibility of imprisonment.

Shane Margereson, owner of Ecigone, said: “Home mixing has always felt more like a hobby than anything official, so it’s easy to see people being caught out by a rule written for manufacturers.

“A cupboard full of base bought before October won’t get round it either, because what matters is when the mixing happens.

“Far better to hear it from us now than to find out the hard way.”

Mixing shop-bought shortfills with nicotine shots remains legal, as long as both components have had duty paid.

The new Vaping Products Duty adds £2.20 to every 10ml of vape liquid from October 1, regardless of nicotine content.

Duty-paid products made from that date will also feature a vaping duty stamp on their packaging.

Using its Vape Tax Calculator, Ecigone estimated that duty and VAT will add £26.40 to a 100ml shortfill and £52.80 to a 200ml bottle.

30,000 HMRC interventions planned

HMRC announced in June that it would carry out more than 30,000 interventions during 2026-27 aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in tax fraud, labour exploitation and the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes.

The crackdown is part of a wider Government push against organised crime on the high street.

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A new High Street Organised Crime Unit was launched by the Home Office in May with £30 million of funding, bringing together HMRC, Trading Standards, police partners and the National Crime Agency.

The Government says information from the public will help enforcement teams build intelligence, identify links between suspicious activity and decide where to focus investigations.

For anyone who suspects a local business is involved in tax fraud, money laundering or other HMRC-related criminal activity, the message is clear: report it.