9 hours agoBad news for smokers: Cigarette Prices Toward Growth Through Europe
Periskopi(a year ago)
(a year ago)Smokers in the European Union reportedly will face a price increase. According to the German newspaper Bild, the European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, is urging member states to significantly increase tobacco taxes. The goal of the measure is to reduce the number of cancer cases and reduce the burden on systems [...]
In a 196-page document, which Bild He has seen it, the Commission calls for the “tobacco consumption fight, including tax measures that lower the” requirement. The text notes that higher taxes can send “a price signal that smoking is really harmful and should be fought by all means”, broadcast Periscope.
According to the European Commission, the increase in tobacco products' taxes and prices is the single most effective measure to reduce consumption and encourage citizens to quit smoking or at least to drink less.
The commission proposes that in the future the tax rate be adjusted to the level of economic development of each member state, based on a separate index. According to European Taxpayers' Association estimates, it would mean an increase in German tobacco taxes by about 20 per cent. Association President Michael Jäger warned: “We expect cigarette prices to rise by about 20 per cent. This should stop immediately. ”
The average price of a pack of cigarettes in Germany is currently around 9 euros (including taxes). If prices rise 20 per cent, larger packages could become about a more expensive euro.
Price increases include modern nicotine products.
The new directive should apply not only to traditional cigarettes but also to new tobacco products, such as heated tobacco, nicotine bags, and electronic cigarettes. The goal is for nicotine consumption to become less attractive, including so - called smoke - free forms.
Disfellowshipping will continue to be nicotine substitute products, such as nicotine gums (e.g. Nicorette, which is used to help stop smoking. Under the plan, the new directive draft must be approved by the European Commission Commissioner by mid-July.
The tobacco industry has sharply criticised the proposal. Industry Association President Michael von Foster said: “Health Protection should not be used as an excuse to destroy reliable tax patterns and the survival of small and medium-sized producers. ”
JTI's Jaanus Pauts (generating brands such as Benson & Hedges and Camel) warned that a significant tax increase could spur rapid expansion of the cigarette black market: “A massive tax increase is an economic programme for organised crime. ”
