Government urged to rethink approach on vaping policy as smoking rates stop falling

Employment in specialist vaping retail outlets has grown by more than a third since 2020 as retailers call for a balanced approach that protects jobs and helps smokers quit

Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI), the representative body for more than 3,300 independent vape retailers and business owners, has called on Government to rethink its approach to vaping policy as smoking rates show signs of stagnating, arguing that regulated vaping products have an important role to play in helping adult smokers move away from cigarettes.

The call comes as the latest Health in Ireland data from the Department of Health shows smoking prevalence increased marginally between 2023 and 2024, raising concerns that progress in reducing smoking rates may be stalling.

Launching its Budget 2027 submission, RVI is urging the Government to adopt evidence-based policies that support adult smokers seeking alternatives to cigarettes, while strengthening enforcement against illicit products and protecting responsible retailers.

RVI’s Budget 2027 submission contains five key recommendations:

• Freeze E-Liquid Products Tax (EPT) rates and introduce a tax stamp system for vaping products;
• Freeze recently introduced vaping retail licence fees;
• Increase funding for underage test-purchasing programmes;
• Increase product compliance inspections of vaping retailers; and
• Fund annual monitoring of the illicit vape market.

Lorraine Carolan, National Spokesperson for Responsible Vaping Ireland, said:

“The latest smoking figures should be a wake up call. After years of progress, smoking rates are no longer falling and have started to move in the wrong direction.

We need to examine whether current policies are doing enough to support smokers who want to quit. Vaping is widely recognised as a lower-risk alternative to smoking and has helped many smokers move away from cigarettes.”

Ms Carolan said that the Government should ensure regulated vaping products do not become less attractive to adult smokers at a time when smoking rates have stopped declining.

“Budget 2027 should focus on supporting smokers to switch, tackling illicit products and backing responsible retailers who comply with the law.

Maintaining the current E-Liquid Products Tax rate is important. Excessive taxation risks narrowing the price difference between cigarettes and vaping products, reducing an important incentive for smokers considering a switch.”

RVI is also calling on Government to strengthen enforcement measures against illicit products, including the introduction of a tax stamp system for vaping products.

“Responsible retailers are complying with increasingly stringent regulations, paying licence fees and meeting their tax obligations. However, enforcement must keep pace with regulation, as rogue actors continue to evade their responsibilities under the new EPT system.

A tax stamp system would provide Revenue and enforcement agencies with an effective tool to identify non-compliant products, tackle illicit trade and protect legitimate businesses”, she said.