Colombian Congress Proposes Higher Taxes on Vapes

The Colombian Congress has introduced a bill on August 21, 2024, that aims to increase taxes on conventional cigarettes and create a new tax for electronic cigarettes in response to the alarming rise in electronic cigarette use among students aged 12 to 18. The proposal seeks to reduce youth consumption and protect children’s health, and has garnered support from various scientific and civil organizations.

Key Objectives of the Legislative Proposal

The legislative proposal targets several key objectives:

Raise cigarette prices in Colombia to levels comparable with other leading countries in the fight against tobacco use in the Americas.
Implement a tariff structure for electronic cigarettes and their components, ensuring equitable tax treatment for all nicotine products in line with the country’s new health regulations.
Combat tobacco companies’ marketing tactics that aim to attract new consumers, particularly among the young and vulnerable population.
Protect the environment from polluting waste generated by disposable electronic cigarettes and conventional cigarette butts.

Alarming Statistics and Potential Impact

The most recent Study on the Consumption of Psychoactive Substances reveals that 11.2% of Colombian students between 12 and 18 years old consumed electronic cigarettes in the last month. The National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) has shown that similar fiscal measures have contributed to a significant decrease in tobacco consumption over the last decade, from 8.3% in 2016 to 5.6% in 2021.

The bill aims to reduce the figure of 34,800 annual deaths related to smoking in Colombia and raise approximately 1.4 billion pesos (equivalent to 350 million dollars). The analysis of the bill recognizes that smoking remains an epidemic that causes more than 200 different diseases, directly impacting public health, productivity, and health costs.

Broad Support from Organizations

Various organizations, including the Anáas Foundation, Red PaPaz, the Colombian League Against Cancer, and the National Cancer Institute, have expressed their support for the proposal. Additionally, the Colombian Association of Pulmonology – Asoneumocytosis, the Colombian Association of Internal Medicine (ACMI), and the Colombian Association of Family Medicine have backed the bill.

Colombia will also have the support of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) in the implementation of these measures.

Consequences of Vaping

The bill highlights the potential consequences of using vapes, including:

Developing nicotine dependence, as most vaping liquids contain this addictive substance.
Respiratory problems such as chronic bronchitis, persistent cough, and severe lung disease.
Negative impact on brain development in teenagers and young adults, affecting memory, concentration, and learning skills.
Exposure to harmful chemicals like propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavorings that can form toxic compounds when heated.
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to raised blood pressure and heart rate.
Risk of injury from exploding vaping devices.
Psychological and social issues, such as anxiety, irritability, and other mental disorders due to nicotine dependence.

The legislative proposal emphasizes that while some perceptions suggest vaping may be a less harmful alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, it still poses significant health risks. Informing the public about these dangers is crucial for making informed decisions regarding vaping and considering the negative consequences that may result from this practice.

News source: Vapeadores tendrán más impuestos en Colombia: esto es lo que propone el proyecto de ley

Author
Recent Posts

Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.