RVI calls on HSE to double number of test purchases on vaping products in 2026

Figures obtained by RVI through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request earlier this year revealed that only 389 test purchases were carried out in 2023 covering all tobacco and vape products

Responsible Vaping Ireland’s (RVI) 2026 Pre-Budget Submission focuses on measures to strengthen enforcement, curb illicit trade, and protect access to vaping products as an essential method of quitting smoking

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29 July 2025

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Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI), the national association representing over 3,300 independent vape retailers, has today announced its 2026 pre-budget submission, urging the Government to prioritise sensible and balanced regulation while also increasing the number of test purchases carried out to ensure that vaping products are not being sold to minors.

Figures obtained by RVI through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request earlier this year revealed that only 389 test purchases were carried out in 2023 covering all tobacco and vape products.

This is fewer than the 393 test purchases conducted solely for tobacco products in 2023, and 407 in 2022.

Pre-budget submission

RVI’s 2026 pre-budget submission is calling on the HSE to double the number of test purchases in 2026, given the high number of illicit vaping products on the market.

RVI also urges the Government to increase compliance checks on retailers, to ensure timely implementation of a proportionate excise duty on e-liquid, and to provide dedicated funding to monitor illicit vape trade.

RVI National spokesperson, Lorraine Carolan, said: “Vaping plays a vital role in helping Irish adults quit smoking, evidence from the Healthy Ireland 2023 survey illustrated that 1-in-4 smokers have used vapes as a means to quit, a strong demonstration that vaping is an important smoking cessation tool”.

“RVI welcomes the upcoming implementation of a retail licensing system in 2026.

“However, further engagement with retailers is essential to ensure its success.

“The decline in test purchases carried out by the HSE, as demonstrated by our FOI, is a cause for concern.

“The HSE should prioritise increasing these efforts next year to support responsible retailers and prevent youth access”.

Key Recommendations from RVI’s 2026 pre-budget submission include:

  • Doubling HSE Test Purchase Checks: RVI supports the under-18 sales ban introduced in December 2023 but highlights a lack of increased funding for enforcement.
  • The group is calling for a doubling of HSE test purchase inspections to ensure the ban is effectively implemented.
  • Robust Retailer Compliance Inspections:  increase product compliance inspections of retailers, including mobile phone accessory and laptop repair shops retailing vaping products, to ensure that all products on sale are compliant with Irish and EU regulations.
  • Timely Introduction of Excise on E-Liquid: While welcoming the Government’s plan to introduce a €0.50/ml excise on e-liquids, RVI calls for its rollout by end-2025, with clear communication to retailers and adequate enforcement resources.
  • Funding for Research on Illicit Trade: RVI urges the Government to allocate resources to the Revenue Commissioners to conduct annual research and tracking of illicit vape sales, similar to existing tracking of illicit tobacco purchasing.
RVI has also expressed serious concerns about the proposed Public Health (Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill, particularly the bans on flavours and point-of-sale display.
“These measures risk reversing hard-won public health gains by making vapes less accessible to smokers trying to quit,” the spokesperson said.
“They could also devastate over 3,300 small, independent retailers across Ireland.”
RVI is urging the Government to engage meaningfully with stakeholders and avoid overregulation that could push consumers back to smoking or into the hands of illicit traders.
Lorraine Carolan concluded: “Sensible and proportionate regulation is the key to supporting legitimate retailers. We urge the Government to engage with stakeholders and not bring in measures which pose significant threats to public health and local businesses alike.”
© 2025, ShelfLife by Ryan Brennan

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