Vape tax in British Columbia
British Columbia charges its own 20% vaping-specific tax instead of joining the coordinated federal duty framework, then 5% GST on top. A shelf price ends up 26.0% higher at checkout in British Columbia.
Vape tax calculator
Estimate what you actually pay after tax, and how much federal + provincial vaping duty is already built into the shelf price you see.
PST 20% on vapour products (vs 7% general), then GST 5% charged on the PST-inclusive amount. Dry-herb vaporizers stay at 7% PST.
What this looks like on a real product
| Example | Shelf price | Duty already included | You pay in British Columbia |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mL disposable pod | $22.99 | $1.12 | $28.97 |
| 30 mL e-liquid bottle | $27.99 | $7.84 | $35.27 |
Illustrative shelf prices — not a live quote from any vendor. The duty figure is exact per CRA Notice EDN82; the checkout total assumes the sales-tax base described in the methodology below.
Product legality in British Columbia
Flavoured vaping products remain legal in British Columbia, but only from premises young persons may not enter (since 2020-09-15).
- Pre-filled tank/pod capacity capped at 2 mL.
- Refill bottle capacity capped at 30 mL.
Minimum age to purchase: 19+.
Methodology & sources
PST 20% on vapour products (vs 7% general), then GST 5% charged on the PST-inclusive amount. Dry-herb vaporizers stay at 7% PST.
Federal duty: Excise Act, 2001, Schedule 8. Coordinated duty: Coordinated Vaping Product Taxation Agreement regulations (SOR/2024-70 and amendments) and CRA excise duty notices EDN82/EDN96/EDN99/ EDN107. Sales tax rates: CRA’s GST/HST rate table. Last verified 2026-08-05 — see all provinces for the full source list and the two figures still awaiting confirmation.
Vaping in British Columbia: common questions
How much tax do you pay on vapes in British Columbia?
PST 20% on vapour products (vs 7% general), then GST 5% charged on the PST-inclusive amount. Dry-herb vaporizers stay at 7% PST — about 26% on top of the listed price. Federal vaping duty is charged separately by volume and is already included in what stores list.
Can you buy flavoured vapes in British Columbia?
Flavoured vaping products remain legal in British Columbia, but only from premises young persons may not enter (since 2020-09-15).
How old do you have to be to buy a vape in British Columbia?
19 in British Columbia. Retailers must verify age at purchase.
Are there container size limits on vape products in British Columbia?
Tanks and pods are capped at 2 mL. Bottled e-liquid is capped at 30 mL.
Comparing actual store prices? Browse the live Canadian vape price comparison.