By Timothy S. Donahue
Top Takeaways:
- Duty prep begins: VB Distribution has appointed Langdon Customs & Excise Solutions as its duty transition partner ahead of the UK’s Vaping Products Duty set to take effect Oct. 1, 2026.
- Systems overhaul: The company is implementing new compliance systems covering duty classification, reporting, traceability and warehouse processes tied to the forthcoming Vaping Duty Stamps scheme.
- Industry shift: The move reflects broader preparations across the UK vape supply chain as regulators roll out new excise taxes and stamp requirements for vaping products.
VB Distribution has appointed Langdon Customs & Excise Solutions Ltd. as its duty transition partner as the UK vaping distributor prepares for significant regulatory changes related to the upcoming Vaping Products Duty (VPD) and Vaping Duty Stamps (VDS) regime.
The company, which supplies vaping products to retail and wholesale customers across the United Kingdom, stated it is developing the operational systems necessary to handle excise duties and compliance requirements ahead of the program’s October 1, 2026, implementation date.
The preparations involve developing processes for duty classification, reporting controls, traceability, and audit-ready warehouse workflows designed to meet HM Revenue & Customs requirements once the new tax system is implemented.
“Vaping duty is an operational change. We’re building the controls, workflows and systems now so we can operate at scale from day one and protect supply continuity,” a spokesperson for VB Distribution said.
As part of the transition, VB Distribution is also preparing for bonded-warehouse operations that would allow products to be stored under duty suspension until taxes are paid. The company said its program includes implementing stamp-ready processes as it applies for bonded-warehouse status.
Langdon Customs & Excise Solutions stated that its duty management system will assist the distributor in implementing structured compliance processes as the industry adjusts to new tax and tracking regulations.
“VB Distribution is moving early and decisively,” Langdon said. “We’ll support the programme to ensure duty management, traceability and reporting processes are implemented efficiently and at pace ahead of October 2026.”
Earlier this year, HM Revenue & Customs chose Spectra Systems Corp. to produce and supply the official duty stamps for use under the Vaping Duty Stamps scheme.
