Liquid tax 2025: effects on e-cigarettes
New liquid tax: consequences for vapers explained
Are you a vaper and use e-cigarettes? Then you will already be feeling the effects of the tax increase in 2025. The so-called liquid tax was raised again on 1 January 2025 and affects all e-liquids, pods, disposable vapes, shortfills and nicotine-free bases and flavours. You can find out what this means in concrete terms and how you can prepare for it here.
What is the liquid tax?
The liquid tax is a special tax that has been in force since July 2022 as part of the Tobacco Tax Modernisation Act (TabStMoG). It applies to all liquids used in e-cigarettes - regardless of whether they contain nicotine. The aim of the tax is to reduce the consumption of e-cigarettes and at the same time increase revenue for the state.
Liquid tax 2025: How high is the tax now?
Since 1 January 2025, the tax has been 26 cents per millilitre. Compared to the previous 20 cents per millilitre in 2024, this is an increase of 30%. For a typical 10 ml bottle of liquid, this results in a tax rate of €2.60 (plus VAT).
Here is an overview of the tax development
- 01.07.2022: 16 cents/ml
- 01/01/2024: 20 cents/ml
- 01/01/2025: 26 cents/ml
- 01/01/2026: 32 cents/ml
This means that you are already paying €3.88 (including VAT) for a 10 ml bottle of liquid due to the tax alone. This amount will rise to €4.48 by 2026. (at a retail price of €7.99)
Which products are affected?
The tax continues to affect all liquids for e-cigarettes, including
- E-liquids (with and without nicotine)
- shortfills
- Bases and flavours
- Nicotine shots
- Pod systems and disposable e-cigarettes such as the popular Elfbar
What does the tax mean for prices?
As a result of the tax increase, the prices of e-liquids and related products have increased significantly from January 2025. An example:
- 2024: A 10 ml bottle of liquid costs an average of €10.75.
- 2025: The price is now around €11.50 per 10 ml bottle due to the tax.
- 2026: A further tax increase could push the price above €12.
Not only the tax, but also higher production and operating costs have an impact on prices. The industry expects prices to rise by up to 160 % by 2026.
Tips on how you can reduce costs
Even in 2025, there are clever ways to reduce the rising costs caused by the tax increase. Here are some helpful tips to help you:
- Stock up before the next tax increase (2026):Use 2025 to stock up on liquids, pod systems and vapes while prices are still moderate. This will help you to cushion the coming increase.
- Pod systems as an alternative to disposable vapes:Disposable e-cigarettes such as Elfbar may be practical, but they are more expensive and environmentally harmful in the long run. Pod systems offer a sustainable and more cost-effective alternative. With refillable pods, you can significantly reduce the cost per millilitre of liquid.
- Pod kits with liquids for self-filling: If you are looking for maximum flexibility and potential savings, pod kits that you can fill yourself with your favourite liquids are the best choice. These systems allow you to buy larger quantities of liquid in a tax-optimised way and to organise your consumption efficiently.
- Take advantage of our economy packs: In the Aladin hookah shop, we offer special economy packs where you can buy liquids and vapes in larger quantities at discounted prices. You will also find economy sets where you can get free liquids or pod kits. This not only saves you money, but also ensures that you always have sufficient supplies.
With these alternatives, you can continue to enjoy your everyday vaping life without the tax increases having too much of an impact. Take a look now and save your favourites!
Criticism of the liquid tax
The liquid tax is viewed critically from many sides. E-cigarettes are seen as a less harmful alternative to smoking, and the tax could drive vapers back to traditional cigarettes. There is also a risk that rising prices will encourage the black market - a risk for inferior and potentially dangerous products.
The outlook is also bleak for shortfills and DIY products: these options, which are favoured by many vapers, could disappear from the market in the long term due to rising costs.
Preparation is the be-all and end-all
The 2025 liquid tax will hit vapers hard in the wallet. But with the right strategy, you can cushion the additional costs. Use the time until the next tax increase in 2026 to prepare accordingly and optimise your expenditure.
Stay informed and visit our blog regularly for the latest news about e-cigarettes, liquids and accessories.
Our promise to you
As an Aladin hookah shop, it is our goal to offer you fair prices even in times of rising taxes. We know how important affordable products are for you as a vaper. That is why we are working to ensure that the tax-related price increases are not passed on to you 1:1. Through lean processes, efficient logistics and targeted purchasing advantages, we try to keep the additional costs as low as possible.
Your satisfaction is our top priority - and that includes not only high-quality products, but also fair prices. Check back regularly and discover our savings sets, promotions and inexpensive alternatives so that you can continue to vape carefree.
