Local trader backs tax stamps on vapes to clamp down on illegal sellers

A LOCAL trader is involved in a campaign to introduce tax stamps on vaping products in order to strengthen the enforcement of a new duty.

Stuart Agar, who runs VapeOn in Tipperary Town, is a spokesperson for Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI).

It’s a national association representing more than 3,500 independent vape retailers.

They are now subject to a new tax on vaping liquids, of 50c per millilitre.

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In the wake of this measure, which Government has said is to improve public health, there are calls for a small sticker or mark to be put on these liquids.

This will provide a quick way for shopkeepers and enforcement officers to tell at-a -glance whether the product is legal or not.

RVI believes the current self-declaration model, is not robust enough to prevent tax evasion or tackle the growing illicit market.

Just €1.3m has been collected from this tax since its rollout, RVI has said.

Mr Agar, pictured above, said: “Responsible retailers like us are doing everything by the book – from age verification to product standards to paying the new vape tax. But we are competing with operators who don’t follow the rules and who face little risk of being caught. If tax stamps are required on tobacco, there is no reason they shouldn’t be required on vapes. A visible stamp would make it immediately clear whether excise has been paid. It would protect compliant businesses and give enforcement officers a simple, practical tool to clamp down on illegal sellers.”

Mr Agar described the early tax returns as “deeply concerning”.

“Introducing tax stamps, increasing inspections, and publishing compliance data will protect consumers, protect young people, and protect legitimate Irish businesses,” he argued.