Within the latest HMRC statistics on R&D tax credits, we can see that 19% of all claims that are made under the SME scheme, were for companies operating in the “Professional, Scientific & Technical” sector. This accounts for 25.5% of the total value of claims.
The average claim value was £71,648.
Research and Development Tax Credits within the vaping and e-liquids industry
Evolution comes in many forms, with the vaping industry being no different. For companies to build and maintain a competitive business within this sector, they are constantly needing to innovate. This is achieved by formulating new recipes and for for their e-liquids. For others it’s by developing and improving the atomisers needed to dispense the products to the end consumers.
Being eligible for R&D tax credit centres around two key areas. You need to be either:
Producing new or improved products.
Design and develop a product involving some degree of uncertainty, for which the answers were not obvious.
Because developing new e-liquids takes extensive trial and experimentation, there is often a lot of research and development (R&D) taking place. Following the initial development of the concept, the new products progress to consumer testing and a full chemical analysis. Once a product paseses these stages, it is ready for launch. Once a product is on the market, it’s not uncommon for there to be long term adjustments to the products, once they have become available to consumers.
Examples of technological uncertainty in the vaping and e-liquids industry
Flavour extraction
E-liquids come in a variety of flavours but for these to be extracted for use, they need to be extracted from the source. Fortunately there are a range of established processes in place, but many of these can involve using harsh chemicals. Other methods will sometimes need to undergo a heating, steaming or bleaching process, which can all make the product unsuited for use. As a result, there is a need to develop new techniques that have not been used within the vaping sector.
Elimination of residue on atomisers
Once a new flavour or formulation of e-liquid has been produced, it will enter a period of testing. This can result in more testing as in some circumstances, it’s possible for a build up of residue to occur on certain types of electronic atomisers. Because of this there is a need to reformulate the e-liquid, which often results in a high level of trial and testing.
Filtration of e-liquids
Developers of e-liquids can encounter a further raft of technological uncertainties in the filtration of natural ingredients from the e-liquid. As this is an evolving industry, there are few existing methods in place, which results in the need for new methods to be developed. Without suitable filtration an e-liquids can leave a residue on atomisers, which creates a poor user experience.
Testimonials from our Vaping & e-Liquid clients
Sound like familiar challenges?
If the examples given above ring true for your vaping & e-liquid company, it is highly likely that you are eligible to claim R&D tax credit relief. Give our friendly team a call today to find out more