The European Commission is considering introducing new taxes on electronic cigarettes - taxing them the same way that it taxes traditional cigarettes.

EU excise duty experts have been asked to consider the "best way to achieve fiscal equal treatment" between the two products.

While costly duties are levied on regular tobacco products, e-cigarettes are only subject to VAT - this makes them significantly cheaper.

The primary difference between the two products is that e-cigarettes use battery-powered cartridges to produce nicotine vapor, this cuts out many of the health risks associated with traditional smoking.

The World Health Organisation has expressed concerns that the products could damage public health, and that soft regulation can lead to the use of poorly made products that may overheat and lead to the inhaling of vapors from nickel and lead alloys.

The difference in price is one of the main factors that has driven the success of e-cigarettes.

Financial Times spoke to tobacco analyst, Natasha Kendall at Nielsen - she says that their research shows that over a third of e-cigarette users say that lower costs are one of the main benefits of the products.

She also likens the e-cigarette market to the 'wild west' - as many of the products are being sold by small specialised companies and through online stores and niche vape shops.

Steeper taxes could force these small companies out of the market and see brands owned by established tobacco companies getting an advantage.

In Ireland Senator Averil Power of Fianna Fail, and Independent Senator and oncologist John Crown have proposed laws to introduce greater regulation of the Irish e-cigarette industry.

Image source:  www.vaping360.com/Flickr