Vapers in Georgia to pay 7% Excise Tax

Georgia’s General Assembly passed a measure Friday to authorize the taxation of vapor products. The bill also contained language that raises the U.S. state’s minimum age to vape or smoke cigarettes from 18 to 21.

The measure slaps a 7% excise tax on vaping products sold in Georgia like e-cigarettes, vape pens, refillable cartridges and electric hookahs, according to an article in the Athens Banner-Herald.

The vaping tax was added to a separate bill that raises the minimum age to use tobacco and vape products to 21. The bill passed by a 45-8 vote in the Senate Friday after the state House passed it by a 123-33 vote on Thursday. It now heads to Gov. Brian Kemp for his signature.

Vaping manufacturers and store owners had opposed the excise tax and new licensing rules in Rich’s proposal, arguing higher prices on vaping could drive smokers back to cigarettes after using the tobacco-less products to kick the habit.