Beat the budget: How much will tobacco cost from 1 October 2026?
New tobacco duty rates and the first UK duty on vape liquid will take effect on 1 October 2026. Here’s what is changing, what it could mean for prices, and the dates you need to know.
1 October 2026
Our take on this year's budget
For the first time, we've got all the information to hand before the Chancellor's announcement on 28 October. It's a huge hit for smokers, with an eye-watering 14% duty increase on hand-rolling tobacco. There's also a new tax for vaping.
If that wasn't steep enough, we know that some cigar, cigarette, and tobacco manufacturers are also increasing their prices due to rising production costs.
Our prices will increase from 01 October, but you can buy now before they change.
Price changes from 01 October
These numbers are based on the Gov's official figures for duty increases from 01 October.
These are estimated increases outlined by the Government; however, they don't include any price increases by manufacturers, which typically happen at the same time.
Key dates for changes
- 26 November 2025
Budget sets the rates
The existing tobacco duty rates take effect. The rates for October 2026 are also announced.
- 1 October 2026
New rates take effect
Tobacco duty rises. Vaping Products Duty and the duty stamp scheme begin.
- 31 March 2027
Vape transition ends
Last day to sell eligible unstamped vape stock produced or imported before 1 October 2026.
- 1 April 2027
Vape stamps required
All vaping products sold or supplied in the UK must carry a valid duty stamp.
Cigars
Cigar duty is based on weight. A heavier cigar attracts a larger increase, so there is no single price change for every cigar.
| Pack size / quantity | Estimated increase* |
|---|---|
| 5g | +£0.40 |
| 7g | +£0.56 |
| 10g | +£0.81 |
| 12g | +£0.97 |
| 15g | +£1.21 |
| 20g | +£1.61 |
| 25g | +£2.02 |
*Includes VAT on the additional duty; assumes full pass-through. Not a confirmed retail price.
For a Robusto weighing 10 - 12g, the estimated tax-related increase is around 81p - 97p. Individual cigar weights vary.
Cigarettes
HMRC estimates an increase of approximately £1.21 for a packet of 20. The change will vary by brand because duty combines a fixed amount with a percentage of the retail price. A minimum excise duty also applies.
| Pack size / quantity | Estimated increase* |
|---|---|
| 20 cigarettes | +£1.21 |
*Includes VAT on the additional duty; assumes full pass-through. Not a confirmed retail price.
This is HMRC’s estimate, rather than a simple weight-based calculation or a confirmed shelf price.
Hand-rolling tobacco
The increase depends on the weight of the pouch. HMRC’s example is approximately £2.54 extra for 30g; a 50g pouch works out at around £4.23.
| Pack size / quantity | Estimated increase* |
|---|---|
| 25g | +£2.12 |
| 30g | +£2.54 |
| 40g | +£3.38 |
| 50g | +£4.23 |
| 100g | +£8.46 |
*Includes VAT on the additional duty; assumes full pass-through. Not a confirmed retail price.
These estimates cover the duty change and VAT on that change. Other pricing changes may affect the final amount.
Pipe tobacco
Pipe tobacco falls within HMRC’s “other smoking tobacco” category. HMRC estimates approximately £1.95 extra for 30g, or around £3.25 for a standard 50g pack.
| Pack size / quantity | Estimated increase* |
|---|---|
| 25g | +£1.63 |
| 30g | +£1.95 |
| 40g | +£2.60 |
| 50g | +£3.25 |
| 100g | +£6.50 |
*Includes VAT on the additional duty; assumes full pass-through. Not a confirmed retail price.
The weight of the tobacco determines the duty, whether it comes in a tin or a pouch.
Vapes
Vaping Products Duty starts on 1 October 2026. This is a new excise duty on vape liquid, including nicotine-free liquid. Before this date, vape liquid has no specific UK excise duty.
The rate is based on liquid volume. A 10ml bottle attracts £2.20 in duty, with a further 44p in VAT if the duty is passed on in full.
| Pack size / quantity | Estimated increase* |
|---|---|
| 2ml | +£0.53 |
| 5ml | +£1.32 |
| 10ml | +£2.64 |
| 20ml | +£5.28 |
| 50ml | +£13.20 |
| 100ml | +£26.40 |
*Includes VAT on the additional duty; assumes full pass-through. Not a confirmed retail price.
Pods and pre-filled devices: use the total liquid volume in the product, not the number of devices or pods. Empty hardware is not taxed by this liquid-volume calculation.
Look for duty stamps. New duty-liable products released onto the UK market from 1 October 2026 must carry a stamp. Eligible unstamped stock produced or imported before that date can still be sold until 31 March 2027. Customers may therefore see different prices during the transition.
A little more clarity.
Can I buy now at the old prices?
Yes, you can buy tobacco now at the old prices, before they change on 01 October.
Are these the prices I will pay?
No. The figures show the estimated increase associated with tax, not the full selling price. Final prices depend on the product, supplier and retailer.
Will every product change price on 1 October?
The duty changes take effect on 1 October 2026. Shelf-price changes may happen at different times as suppliers and retailers update prices and stock moves through the supply chain.
Does the new vape duty apply to nicotine-free liquid?
Yes. The duty applies to vaping liquid whether or not it contains nicotine. The volume of liquid determines the duty.
Why might some vape packs have no duty stamp?
There is a transition period. Eligible unstamped products produced or imported before 1 October 2026 can still be sold until 31 March 2027. From 1 April 2027, all vaping products sold or supplied in the UK must have a valid stamp.
Will this guide be updated?
This guide is intended to be updated as further information becomes available. Check the “Last reviewed” date and the government sources below for the basis of the figures.