Promotional material

Key messages for audience groups

Published 10 February 2026

We’ve created the following targeted audience key messages, which can be used for newsletters or bulletins.

UK manufacturers

Call to action	Message
Get your documents in order	Prepare all required documents, such as your business plan and premises plan before applications open.
Set up your accounts	Make sure you have a Government Gateway account and Business Tax Account ready to use.
Check the latest guidance	Check GOV.UK regularly for updates and detailed instructions.
Stay informed	Subscribe to HMRC updates and add key compliance dates to your calendar.
Engage with your industry	Keep in touch with industry working groups and follow HMRC updates for ongoing support.
Apply early	Submit your application as soon as applications open. This will help make sure you’re approved in time and can continue trading from 1 October 2026.

UK warehousekeepers

Call to action	Message
Add vaping products to your approvals	Understand the process and what steps you’ll need to follow.
Know your responsibilities	Make sure you understand the rules for storing, moving, and releasing vaping products under duty suspension.
Keep accurate records	Record all vaping products stored and moved to avoid penalties.
Work with your supply chain	Coordinate with importers and manufacturers to ensure all products are stamped and meet stamping requirements.
Stay informed	Follow HMRC updates and trade associations guidance for support.
Check for duty stamps	Make sure every vaping product leaving your warehouse into the UK has a vaping duty stamp affixed. Products without one are illegal and could lead to penalties.

Importers

Call to action	Message
Stay informed	Keep up to date with changes to customs and excise processes for vaping products.
Coordinate with your warehouse	If you use a warehouse, work with the warehousekeeper to meet duty requirements.
Support a responsible supply chain	Take pride in helping create a legal and compliant supply chain.

Overseas manufacturers

Call to action	Message
Prepare your documents	Make sure your business plans and supporting documents are up to date and ready to share with your UK representative.
Appoint a UK representative	They will apply for approval to the Vaping Duty Stamp Scheme on your behalf when applications open in April.
Monitor updates	Stay informed through HMRC and your UK Representative for any changes to requirements.

UK representatives (for overseas manufacturers)

Call to action	Message
Apply for approval	Apply for the Vaping Duty Stamp Scheme when applications open.
Register with the stamp supplier	Purchase stamps for your overseas clients.
Inform your manufacturers	Make sure they have up-to-date business plans and supporting documents ready so you can apply on time.
Send stamps directly	Make sure stamps go straight to the overseas manufacturer to be affixed to products.
Stay informed	Keep up to date with HMRC guidance and industry developments.

Retailers

Call to action	Message
Educate your staff	Train them about the importance of handling excise goods and duty stamps carefully.
Use trusted resources	Check HMRC and trade association guidance on the transition from transitional to regular stamps.
Vaping Duty Stamps	Before 1 October 2026, a transitional stamp may be affixed to products in the supply chain. From 1 October 2026, all stamps affixed must include a digital element. There may be some crossover in what appears on shelves for a while, as this transitionally stamped stock passes through.