Is Shortfill Vape Juice Still Worth It in the UK?

Is Shortfill Vape Juice Still Worth It in the UK?

The world of vaping seems to always be evolving. Last year, single use vapes were banned which is a good thing for the environment, of course. I think we were all sick of seeing disposable vapes chucked on the ground everywhere… Later this year, another big change is coming that will affect vape users. From October 2026, the UK will introduce a new Vaping Products Duty of £2.20 per 10ml of e-liquid. This will significantly increase the price of shortfills which is making people wonder if shortfill vape juice is still worth it. Let’s investigate this topic in detail below.

What is a shortfill?

First, let’s look at what a shortfill is and why it’s so popular amongst people who vape. A shortfill is a large bottle of nicotine-free e-liquid. They are usually sold in amounts of 50ml e-liquid in 60ml bottles or 100ml e-liquid in 120ml bottles. They are called shortfill as the bottles are intentionally not filled to the top, leaving space for the user to add the nicotine themselves. 

What are the benefits of shortfill vape juice?

The main benefit of shortfill vape juice is the cost saving. Vapers can enjoy buying larger, more cost-effective volumes of e-liquid from their favourite Vape Shop Online when choosing shortfill vape juice instead of traditional 10ml e-liquid bottles. Another benefit is that vapers can customize their nicotine strength as desired – to make it weaker or stronger than ready mixed alternatives. Buying fewer, larger bottles of e-liquid also reduces plastic waste, meaning it’s a much more eco-friendly option.

What will change with the new duty?

Currently, before the new duty changes start in October this year, vapers can enjoy huge savings when choosing shortfill vape juice. 

A Price Comparison 

At the moment, if you compare buying one 100ml shortfill (along with two nicotine shots) that would usually cost somewhere around £10-£15 and give you 120ml of e-liquid to use. If you were to buy 12 individual 10ml bottles to make up the same amount of e-liquid, that could easily cost you over £30. That is a big price difference and it’s easy to see that shortfill vape juice is the more cost-effective choice.

The new Vaping Products Duty will be £2.20 per 10ml of e-liquid which will mean a huge price increase even when you’re bulk buying nicotine-free shortfill vape juice. For example, a 100ml shortfill could see an extra £22 in duty added (plus VAT) which would make a £13 bottle cost nearly £40. 

Stock Up Now to Save

Overall, shortfill vape juice will still offer slightly better value but, if you vape a lot, it would be a wise idea to stock up on shortfill vape juice before October this year! Vape juice generally lasts 1-2 years if unopened and when stored correctly – in a cool, dark place. Because of this, you could easily stock up in advance to save a lot of money in the long run.

Collaboration.