Spain to Implement New Taxes on Vaping Products in 2025

In a move aimed at curbing the rising popularity of vaping, especially among younger populations, the Spanish Ministry of Finance (Hacienda) has announced plans to introduce new taxes on vaping products starting from January 1, 2025.

New Tax Structure

The new tax regime will impose a fee of 0.20 euros per milliliter on liquids containing more than 15 milligrams of nicotine. For liquids with nicotine content below this threshold, the tax will be set at 0.15 euros per milliliter. This change is part of a broader effort to regulate and reduce the consumption of vaping products, which have seen a significant surge in recent years.

Impact on Consumers

For the average vaper, this new tax is expected to increase the cost of vaping substantially. Given that many vaping liquids come in bottles of 10 to 30 milliliters, the additional cost could range from 2 to 6 euros per bottle, depending on the nicotine content. This price hike is intended to deter new users, particularly adolescents and young adults, who are often attracted to the flavored and seemingly less harmful alternatives to traditional tobacco products.

Broader Regulatory Context

This tax increase is part of a comprehensive strategy by the Spanish government to tackle the growing issue of vaping. The Ministry of Health has also been working on stricter regulations, including the prohibition of certain flavorings in vaping liquids and the mandatory inclusion of health warnings on packaging. These measures are designed to align the regulations for vaping products more closely with those for traditional tobacco, which are already subject to stringent controls.

Health Concerns

The push for stricter regulations and higher taxes is driven by growing health concerns. Vaping, even without nicotine, has been linked to various health risks, including respiratory issues and the potential for transitioning to more harmful tobacco products. The Minister of Health, Mónica García, has been vocal about the dangers of flavored vaping liquids, describing them as "poison with a strawberry flavor" that lure young people into harmful habits.

Future Legislative Actions

While the tax changes are set to come into effect in January 2025, further legislative actions are on the horizon. The Ministry of Health is working towards banning smoking in more public spaces, such as terraces, and restricting the promotion and sale of vaping products, particularly in areas accessible to minors. These measures will require parliamentary approval and are part of a broader national plan to reduce tobacco and vaping prevalence approved earlier this year.

The combination of increased taxes and stricter regulations marks a significant shift in Spain's approach to vaping, aiming to protect public health and prevent the rise of a new generation of nicotine users.