Smoking in Ireland
In Ireland, cigarette smoking is legal but controlled by comprehensive tobacco control regulations. Cigarettes are regulated as tobacco products and are permitted for sale and use with some restrictions. They may be purchased through retail outlets, online platforms, and vending machines. The importation of cigarettes for trade is allowed with a license. However, health warnings on packaging are mandatory, the minimum legal age for purchase is 18 years, and there are legal restrictions on smoking in public places. In addition, a complete ban on all tobacco advertising is in force. Cigarettes in Ireland are subject to an excise tax of 48.53% and a total taxation rate of 76.06%. Despite these regulatory and control measures, smoking continues to contribute to the national health burden. In 2024, there were approximately 730,000 current smokers in Ireland, representing an adult smoking prevalence of 17.2%. In the same year, prevalence was higher among males (20%) than females (14.6%). This prevalence was recorded to be 18.2% in 2022. In 2023, the adult daily tobacco smoking prevalence was 14%, with an estimated 675,956 daily smokers. In 2021, smoking caused 3,836 deaths in Ireland, including 2,291 deaths among males and 1,546 among females. Overall, tobacco smoking resulted in 11.89% of all deaths in 2021, representing 13.62% of male deaths and 10.01% of female deaths. These statistics underscore the continued public health impact of smoking cigarette in Ireland.
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November 20, 2025 by bbc.com
Vaping: Irish government approves plans to ban disposable vapes
The Irish government approved banning disposable vapes and imposing restrictions on nicotine products to protect children. The move follows Northern Ireland's ban on single-use vapes. Retailers face fines and jail time for selling single-use e-cigarettes. Legislation will also regulate the sale of other nicotine products and restrict advertising, with new laws under consideration. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill supports the measures to safeguard youth from nicotine harm.
November 04, 2025 by independent.ie
Tax hike that will more than double price of vapes will hit smokers trying to quit, warns GP
Tax hikes in Ireland, doubling vape prices, concern addicts quitting cigarettes and impact smokers. The Department of Health targets youth vaping but faces backlash. Irish Heart Foundation supports tax due to rising youth vaping rates. Vape shop owners fear black market growth and loss of adult customers. UK plans similar vape tax next year. Responsible Vaping Ireland backs the tax for public health. Enforcement and restrictions on flavors and sales are proposed. Vape shops foresee challenges in compliance and business sustainability amid rising prices.
October 31, 2025 by rte.ie
New vape tax announced in budget to take effect
A new tax on e-liquid for vape products, set at 50c per milliliter, goes into effect tomorrow, excluding VAT. This will increase prices significantly, particularly for refills. Aimed at curbing youth vaping, the tax affects both nicotine and non-nicotine products. Though welcomed by health groups, concerns are raised about potential side effects, including a black market. The industry feels the tax is disproportionate and favors disposable vapes. Measures to accompany the tax include a future ban on disposables and stricter marketing rules. The UK plans a similar tax but at a lower rate and later start date. Rebels among vape vendors foresee challenges in enforcement.
October 31, 2025 by thejournal.ie
Cost of vaping to rise tomorrow as new tax on e-liquid kicks in
Starting tomorrow, a new tax of 50c per ml on e-liquid products in Ireland will increase vaping costs. The tax includes both nicotine and non-nicotine e-liquids, affecting prices significantly. To protect public health, the Minister for Finance stated the tax aims to curb youth consumption. Legislation is being drafted to ban single-use vapes and regulate flavors and packaging. A recent Lancet study shows a rise in nicotine use, especially among young people, linking it to vape availability since 2019. The tax reflects Ireland's dedication to public health amidst concerns over the increasing popularity of vapes among the youth.
October 27, 2025 by rte.ie
Why a tax-hike on e-cigarettes is prompting vapers to bulk buy
Interview with Mark Murphy (Senior Policy Manager with the Irish Heart Foundation) and Dr Garrett McGovern (Medical Director and Addiction Specialist at the Priority Medical Clinic) on RTÉ Radio — discussing the recent major tax hike on e-cigarettes in Ireland and its public health implications.
October 23, 2025 by irishexaminer.com
Richard Hogan: Vaping is not a healthy alternative to smoking — full stop
The text highlights the deceptive marketing tactics of vaping companies, particularly targeting children with appealing flavors. Vaping is shown to be harmful, with high nicotine levels and toxic chemicals inhaled, leading to addiction and health issues. Parents are urged to recognize the dangers and take action, while the government is called upon to implement stricter regulations on marketing, flavors, and misinformation about vaping. It is emphasized that prevention programs in schools are crucial to educate teenagers on the risks of vaping. Urgent measures are needed to address the increasing trend of teenage vaping and promote healthier socialization alternatives.
October 21, 2025 by filtermag.org
Ireland Is Failing at Smoking Cessation. Now It Will Tax Vapes Hard.
Ireland will implement a tax of €0.50 per milliliter on all vaping e-liquids, becoming the highest in the EU. The government aims to further restrict vape products and flavors, despite missing smoke-free targets. Advocates argue that high vape taxes hinder smoking cessation efforts, especially as vapes were aiding in reducing smoking rates. The tax is viewed as counterproductive, disproportionately affecting low-income individuals and leading to a potential rise in smoking and black-market product use. While the government cites youth protection and reducing accessibility, critics believe it penalizes smokers trying to quit. The tax contradicts evidence showing affordable vape access aids in smoking cessation.
October 10, 2025 by bbc.com
Vape boss says allowing 'strict' ads would help smokers quit
BAT's UK and Ireland boss advocates for a "very strict" marketing framework to encourage smokers to switch to vapes. While the UK opposes further vape marketing, BAT sees advertising as essential for informing smokers about alternatives. The company's focus on closed vaping systems aims to reduce smoking rates. Despite concerns over vaping's long-term effects, it's considered less harmful than smoking. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to restrict advertising and underage sales to achieve a smoke-free generation. BAT opposes the bill's restrictions and argues for looser advertising rules and more penalties for underage sales. Ertonguc believes these measures will have a bigger impact on reducing smoking rates than the government's current legislation.
October 09, 2025 by vaping360.com
Ireland Launches Steep Vape Tax Next Month
Ireland will implement its long-planned e-liquid tax on Nov. 1. The E-liquid Products Tax (EPT) will be the first step in the government’s wider plan to neuter the vaping market, with a disposable vape ban and flavor restrictions coming soon.
October 09, 2025 by planetofthevapes.co.uk
Ireland Taxes Eliquid
Ireland’s Department of Finance has introduced a tax on e-liquids, called the E-liquid Products Tax (EPT), effective 1 November 2025. The tax targets suppliers at the first point of supply, who must register with Revenue and self-assess the duty. The government says the measure aims to protect public health and curb vaping, especially among young people. While EU-wide rules on vaping taxation are under review, Ireland and other countries are implementing domestic taxes in the meantime.