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Excise tax

Excise tax – glycerine

In the world of taxes, few substances are as “slippery” as glycerine. Although it is mainly associated with cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, for businesses in the chemical and e-cigarette sectors it has become one of the most problematic goods for excise settlements.

In today’s post we explain when glycerine is taxed, what pitfalls await taxpayers and why the intended use of the product is crucial.

Glycerine and the definition of e-cigarette liquid

The key to excise on glycerine is not its chemical composition but its intended use. Under the Excise Tax Act, liquids for electronic cigarettes are subject to taxation.

Important: A liquid for electronic cigarettes is a solution intended for use in e-cigarettes, regardless of whether it contains nicotine.

When does glycerine become an excise product?

    Glycerine as a base: If you sell glycerine clearly intended for making e-liquids (e.g. in vape shops).
    Glycerine in sets: Including a bottle of glycerine in “longfill” or “pre-mix” kits.
    Presumed intended use: Tax authorities increasingly take the view that if packaging (small bottles) or sales channels suggest e-cigarette use, excise must be charged.

Excise rates in 2026 – what you need to know

Under the roadmap of excise increases, rates for e-cigarette liquids are rising steadily. In 2026 the burden is high enough that misclassification can mean huge tax arrears for a company.

The rates mentioned are indicative and may differ depending on final regulations of the Minister of Finance.

Obligations of a business trading in glycerine

If your company produces, imports or acquires glycerine intra-Community for e-cigarette purposes, you must complete a number of formalities:

    CRPA registration: Registration in the Central Register of Excise Taxpayers is mandatory before starting operations. Excise stamps (bands): Products must bear appropriate bands, with purchase and strict records. Records: Detailed documentation of quantities produced, stored and sold. Declarations: Regular filing of AKC-4/AKC-4zo declarations with the tax office.

Pharmaceutical and technical glycerine – when no excise applies

The good news is that glycerine used in other industries remains outside excise as e-cigarette liquid, including:

    Cosmetics production (creams, soaps). Food industry (additive E422). Pharmacy and drug production. Technical uses (e.g. automotive).
Note! The line is thin. If you sell pure pharmaceutical glycerine but your customers are mainly e-cigarette users, you risk an audit by the National Revenue Administration (KAS).

Summary: how to avoid problems

Taxation of glycerine is an area full of interpretations that often change to the taxpayer’s disadvantage. It is essential to have technical documentation and clearly defined distribution channels.

If you are unsure whether your activity requires excise registration, consider applying for a Binding Excise Information (WIA), which provides legal protection in relations with the authority.

Need help with excise settlements or CRPA registration? Our accounting office specialises in entities subject to excise tax. Contact us and make sure your business is compliant!

Information in this article is educational and may change with amendments to the law.

Certified Accountant (C.I.K.) no. 78963/2025. President of the Management Board of NWAGNER TAX & ACCOUNTING - FINANCIAL ADVISOR Sp. z o.o. Finance Director at MasterKOR Korepetycje Sp. z o.o. President of the NWAGNER Society & Business Foundation. President of the Management Board of NWAGNER Investments & Technologies Sp. z o.o. Questions for me? Write to: norbert@biuro-rachunkowe-nwagner.eu

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