Ireland's Vape and Tobacco Licence Fees Effective Feb 2nd

On February 2nd, 2025, Ireland’s new licensing system for retailers selling vapes and tobacco products will come into effect. The annual licence fee, set at €800 for vape sellers and €1,000 for tobacco sellers, is expected to play a vital role in cracking down on the illicit sales of these products, particularly to minors.

BAT Ireland, a prominent tobacco firm, has expressed support for the retail licence system. David Melinn, country manager at BAT Ireland, believes the new fees will help enforce the under-18 vape sales ban and prevent the sale of illegal vape products. However, Melinn noted that the exclusion of tobacco-free nicotine pouches from the legislation was a misstep that the next government should address.

Compliance Inspections and Annual Licence Renewal

Under the new system, retailers selling vaping products must join a register and will be subject to inspections by Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) to ensure compliance with the legislation. Licences will require annual renewal, meaning that retailers who have their licence revoked will lose the ability to sell vapes altogether.

Melinn expressed concerns about the growing number of mobile phone accessory and laptop repair shops selling illegal vapes that lack Irish health warnings and contain dangerously high nicotine levels. He hopes the new system will help remove these retailers, whose actions harm the many legitimate and responsible retailers across the country.

Significant Change from Previous Licensing System

The introduction of the new licensing system represents a significant change from the previous requirements. Prior to February 2nd, retailers selling tobacco only had to pay a once-off €50 fee, while there was no licence requirement for selling vapes. The new licencing system, passed via Statutory Instrument, is part of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023.

As the vaping industry continues to evolve, the implementation of this new licensing system in Ireland is a notable step towards regulating the sale of vaping products and combating the illicit market. By requiring retailers to pay an annual fee and subjecting them to compliance inspections, the Irish government aims to ensure that vaping products are sold responsibly and legally, ultimately protecting public health, especially that of young people.

The effectiveness of the new licence fees in achieving these goals will be closely monitored by industry stakeholders, public health advocates, and government officials alike as the system takes effect on February 2nd, 2025.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.