Kyrgyzstan Pushes for Higher Tobacco & Nicotine Taxes

Kazakhstan Tax Code VAT Excise Tobacco

Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Health, Erkin Checheybaev, has called for an increase in excise taxes on tobacco products to improve public health, particularly for the younger generation. Speaking at an intersectoral meeting in Bishkek on June 10, 2025, focused on effective ways to reduce tobacco and nicotine consumption, the minister emphasized that higher prices would make these products less accessible to children and adolescents.

The event, initiated by the Republican Center for Health Promotion and Mass Communications in collaboration with the WHO country office and the WHO FCTC Knowledge Hub, discussed strategies for reducing tobacco product availability through effective taxation. Minister Checheybaev highlighted that tobacco consumption is a leading cause of death and disability in Kyrgyzstan. According to WHO estimates, over 6,000 people aged 30 and older die annually in Kyrgyzstan from tobacco-related diseases, with cardiovascular diseases accounting for more than half of these deaths. The economic burden of these diseases is substantial, with direct and indirect costs related to smoking-attributable cardiovascular diseases alone exceeding 17 billion soms.

WHO research indicates that price and tax measures are highly effective in reducing tobacco consumption. A 10% increase in the real price of cigarettes can reduce smoking among children and adolescents by 8% in developing countries. Chinara Bekbasarova from the Ministry of Health’s Republican Center for Health Promotion presented research on Kyrgyzstan’s current tobacco tax situation and proposed reforms.

Minister Checheybaev urged authorities not to fear restricting access to tobacco through higher excise taxes, expressing confidence that Kyrgyzstan could become a leader in the CIS region in this regard. He noted that while committed smokers might continue regardless of price, high costs would make young people reconsider. Participants concluded that raising tobacco taxes is an investment in the nation’s health and future, potentially saving billions and fostering a tobacco-free society.

Matthew Ma
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