Ireland

Ireland has increased tobacco excise under Budget 2027 and announced a further rise in its E-liquid Products Tax. From Oct. 7, the tax burden on a pack of 20 cigarettes in the most popular price category increased by €1, with pro-rata increases on other tobacco products. The government plans to raise EPT from €0.50 to €0.70 per millilitre from Jan. 1, 2027, a 40% increase applying to both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free e-liquids. The tobacco duty increase is expected to raise about €63.1 million in a full year.

On January 27th, The Journal Investigates published a lengthy report titled "Undercover investigation reveals scale of Ireland's illicit vape market". This report conducted an in-depth analysis of the current situation of Ireland's vape market and revealed in detail the numerous problems existing in the market, involving several well-known vape brands such as RandM, Hayati, Lost Mary and Elfbar.

Undercover investigation reveals widespread illicit vape sales in Dublin, exposing lack of regulation in Ireland's e-cigarette market.

A global report ranks Ireland fourth in youth e-cigarette use among EU countries, raising concerns about smoking rates.

BAT's Irish subsidiary reported that e-cigarette products accounted for 22% of total revenue in 2023, with VELO contributing 3%. However, the company faces risks from the illegal vape trade and potential increases in e-liquid excise taxes.

Irish Republicans plan to annually increase excise taxes on e-liquids if re-elected, leading to higher e-cigarette prices, and pledge to implement extensive restrictions on packaging, flavors, points of sale, and advertising.

The Irish Senate has passed the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill, raising the legal minimum age for the sale of tobacco products to 21.

OLAF and Irish authorities collaborate at annual tobacco conference in Dublin to combat illegal trade and protect public health.