Shops selling vapes will have to pay an annual €800 licence fee next year in a bid to cut down on counterfeit and underage sales, writes Garreth MacNamee.

New regulations set to come into force in February 2026 also include a €1,000 licensing fee for selling tobacco.

The move has been welcomed by lobby group BAT Ireland, which said that the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes is an ongoing problem in the country.

The rules apply to tobacco products and vapes, but not to tobacco-free nicotine pouches. It means those selling vapes and cigarettes will have to pay €1,800 per annum.

“We have repeatedly called for the introduction of the retail licence system and believe it will play an important role in the enforcement of the under-18 vape sales ban and in preventing the sale of illegal vape products,” said David Melinn of BAT Ireland.

Shops that sell vapes will have to join a register and will be subject to inspections by the HSE to ensure compliance with the law.

They will have to renew their licence annually meaning that any retailer who sells illegal vapes or sells to under-18s can have their licence revoked.

Mr Melinn said: “The vast majority of retailers are responsible and are doing the right thing, but we have concerns about the unknown quantity of mobile phone accessory and laptop repair shops selling vapes.

“We’re seeing a growing number of shops selling illegal vapes that are missing Irish health warnings and that contain dangerously high levels of nicotine.

“We hope the new system will help remove these retailers, whose actions are hurting the many legitimate and responsible retailers across the country selling vapes.”

Commenting on the potential impact on the retail sector, Mr Melinn added: “There is a lot of pressure on small business at the moment, so we urge the next government to work closely with industry to ensure that the new licensing system doesn’t put an undue burden on small shops, and the overwhelming majority of retailers in Ireland who take their responsibilities in selling age-gated products like vapes very seriously.”

Finance Minister Jack Chambers announced in the last Budget that the Government intends on bringing in a 50c tax per millilitre on the liquids.

The new tax means that a disposable vape that currently costs around €8 will be priced at more than €9.20.

Also, a bottle of e-liquid used in reusable pods is set to increase by 100% next summer.