Changes Under 2023 Act Aim to Discourage Smoking and Reduce Harm
Smokers across Australia will soon notice significant changes to cigarette and tobacco products as new federal laws under the Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2023 take full effect. Retailers are already beginning to stock products compliant with the new regulations, which aim to further reduce smoking rates and protect public health by making tobacco less appealing and informative about quitting.
Read moreFollowing last year’s laws raising the tobacco purchase age to 21 and establishing a generational ban (for those born after Jan 1, 2007), the Maldives is considering stricter enforcement. An amendment proposed by MP Ali Ashrag would require tobacco sellers to demand official government ID if they doubt a buyer’s age.
This places greater responsibility on vendors, potentially involving penalties for non-compliance. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu emphasized the urgency, noting that over 30% of the population falls under the generational ban. The move, alongside a previous vape import ban, aims to solidify the nation’s plan for a tobacco-free generation.
Majilis Passes Reforms Aimed at Simplification and Differentiated Rates
Deputies in Kazakhstan’s Majilis (lower house of parliament) have approved a new Tax Code in its second reading, introducing significant changes aimed at simplifying the system and adjusting tax rates across various sectors. The reforms include setting the standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate and outlining phased increases for excise duties on alcohol, tobacco, and heated tobacco products (HTPs).
Read moreRumors Persist, But Official Prices Unchanged Since Late 2024
Despite ongoing speculation and a recent increase in the value of tax stamps (“banderoles”) affixed to packs, official cigarette prices in Egypt remain unchanged, with no new price hikes announced by manufacturers or the Ministry of Finance. Rumors frequently circulate regarding cigarette costs, prompting close consumer attention.
Read moreDomestic Production Rises as Costs Increase Across Regions
Smokers in Kazakhstan are facing increasingly expensive cigarettes, with prices rising consistently month after month. According to analysis by Energyprom, the average cost of cigarettes surged by 16.5% year-on-year by the end of March 2025, with a 1% increase recorded in March alone.
Read morePhilip Morris Brands See 10 TL Increase, Pushing Prices Higher
Smokers in Türkiye are facing significantly higher cigarette prices in 2025, with major brands experiencing substantial increases attributed largely to hikes in the Special Consumption Tax (SCT) on tobacco products.
Read moreHong Kong is set to tighten its tobacco control laws with a new amendment bill introduced on April 25, 2025. Key proposals target travelers bringing cigarettes and expand public no-smoking areas.
Read moreLargest Hike Expected in 2025 Due to Excise Tax Adjustments
Cigarette prices in Ukraine are projected to increase continuously from 2025 through 2028, driven by planned hikes in excise taxes. According to the April 2025 Inflation Report from the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), the most significant price jump is expected this year, partly to compensate for lower-than-targeted tax revenues in the previous year.
Read moreIt’s a common observation for many air travelers, whether seasoned flyers or occasional vacationers: nestled somewhere onboard, often in or near the lavatory, sits an ashtray. This small feature might seem like a curious relic from a bygone era, especially given the strict, universally enforced bans on smoking during flights that have been in place for decades. The lingering presence of these ashtrays sparks a natural question: if lighting up mid-flight is strictly forbidden and carries hefty penalties, why do even brand-new airplanes still come equipped with them? The answer lies not in condoning smoking, but firmly in the realm of passenger safety and regulatory foresight.
Read moreRussia has seen a significant decline in the number of smokers since 2009, with the smoking rate among adults aged 15 and above dropping from 39.5% to 18.6%, according to Health Minister Mikhail Murashko. The minister credited the success to the implementation of anti-tobacco measures in the country. The announcement was made during the 2nd All-Russian Municipal Forum, “Small Homeland – the Strength of Russia,” which was held at the Russia National Center from April 21-23, bringing together representatives from various sectors to discuss issues related to the development and support of municipal entities.
News source: Russia’s smoking rate halved since 2009, says health ministry