AuNic Nicotine Shots and the SA Vape Excise Tax: How to Save Money
Quick answer: South Africa charges excise duty on vaping liquid per millilitre, which pushes up the price of large pre-mixed bottles. Mixing your own juice from a longfill or shortfill, a base and an AuNic nicotine shot gives you control over strength and can work out cheaper per millilitre. Compare the total cost on the shelf before you decide.
How the vape excise duty works
Excise duty on vaping liquids ("nicotine and nicotine substitute solutions") came into effect in South Africa on 1 June 2023 at R2.90 per millilitre. Because it's charged by volume, it applies whether a liquid has a lot of nicotine, a little or none. The rate can be adjusted in each national Budget, so check SARS for the current figure.
What it means for you: the bigger the bottle of finished liquid, the more duty is built into its price.
The AuNic nicotine shot range
AuNic shots are unflavoured nicotine that you add to a flavour and base. They're never vaped on their own. We stock:
| Shot | Size | Strengths | Use with |
|---|---|---|---|
| AuNic Freebase (PG) | 10ml | Including 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg | Freebase mixes, e.g. 120ml longfills |
| AuNic Freebase (VG) | 15ml | 12mg, 18mg | High-VG freebase mixes |
| AuNic Salt (VG) | 15ml | 15mg, 20mg, 30mg, 50mg | 30ml salt longfills (15ml flavour) |
| AuNic Salt (VG) | 30ml | 20mg, 30mg, 50mg | 60ml salt longfills (30ml flavour) |
Working out your strength
The formula is simple: shot strength (mg/ml) × shot volume (ml) ÷ total volume (ml) = final strength.
Pod example: 60ml salt longfill
A 60ml salt longfill such as Nasty'R Arctic Nectar holds 30ml of flavouring. Add a 30ml AuNic salt shot and you get 60ml at half the shot strength:
- 20mg shot = about 10mg
- 30mg shot = about 15mg
- 50mg shot = about 25mg
Sub-ohm example: 120ml longfill
Many 120ml longfills, such as the Explosion longfills, contain 30ml of flavouring and ask for 80ml of base plus a 10ml shot. With a 10ml shot at 12mg/ml, that's 12 × 10 ÷ 120 = about 1mg/ml. For a stronger result you'll need a stronger or larger shot; our staff can help you get it right.
How to mix safely
- Follow the order on your longfill's label (some say add flavour to base, others base to flavour).
- Add your base, such as VG 80ml, then your nicotine shot.
- Cap tightly and shake well. Fruit flavours are usually ready straight away; tobaccos and desserts often improve after a day.
- Nicotine is toxic if swallowed and can be absorbed through the skin. Wash spills off your skin straight away.
- Store shots and mixed juice in a cool, dark place, out of reach of children and pets.
- Never vape a nicotine shot or longfill flavouring on its own.
Is mixing worth it for you?
- Probably yes if you go through a lot of juice in a refillable tank or pod, or want a strength that isn't sold pre-mixed.
- Maybe not if you vape very little or prefer grab-and-go bottles; ready-to-vape 30ml nic salts are simpler.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to mix my own e-liquid in South Africa?
Yes, adults can buy nicotine shots, bases and longfills and mix them for personal use.
Are nicotine-free liquids taxed too?
Yes. The duty covers nicotine and nicotine substitute solutions and is charged per millilitre.
Which AuNic shot do I need for a 60ml pod longfill?
A 30ml AuNic Salt (VG) shot. Your final strength will be about half the shot strength.
What's the difference between PG and VG shots?
PG-based shots give a stronger throat hit; VG-based shots are smoother and suit high-VG mixes.
Can I vape an AuNic shot straight?
No. Shots are concentrated nicotine and must always be mixed into a flavour and base first.
Vaping products are for adults 18+ only. Nicotine is addictive.