Mongolia Parliament Advances Stricter Tobacco & Vape Laws
The Standing Committee on Human Development and Social Policy of the State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia has approved the discussion of draft amendments to the Law on Tobacco Control. The bill, introduced by MP O. Nominchimeg and 78 other members on September 19, 2024, aims to modernize regulations to address the rapid emergence of new tobacco products, particularly electronic cigarettes.
MP O. Nominchimeg highlighted the urgent need for legal reform, citing alarming statistics on tobacco use. According to 2022 WHO estimates, 28.4% of Mongolia’s population uses tobacco, ranking it seventh highest in the Western Pacific region. The import of traditional cigarettes has doubled since 2012, while the import of e-cigarette liquids and devices has skyrocketed by 175 times since 2020, reaching 8.2 million units in 2024. A 2023 WHO study found that among students aged 13-17, one in 25 uses cigarettes, while one in four uses e-cigarettes.
The proposed amendments seek to regulate e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes equally. Key provisions include:
- Phased Excise Tax Increase: A gradual increase in excise taxes from 2026 to 2030. Currently, taxes account for only about 40% of the price of a cigarette pack (average 3,850 MNT), making Mongolia one of the countries with the cheapest tobacco. The bill aims to use price increases to discourage consumption, citing WHO findings that a 10% price hike can reduce usage by 4-7%.
- Flavor and Scent Bans: Prohibiting flavors and scents in tobacco products, a measure already adopted by 20 countries including Estonia, Finland, and China.
- Sales and Usage Restrictions: Limiting open display sales and banning smoking/vaping in streets and public areas.
- Revenue Allocation: Using increased tax revenue for anti-tobacco campaigns, improving school lunch nutrition, and expanding leisure opportunities for youth.
MP Nominchimeg emphasized that e-cigarettes are not proven to be less harmful and often serve as a gateway to nicotine addiction for youth. She noted that 46 countries have completely banned e-cigarettes, while 82 have implemented strict regulations. “Tobacco lobby money is money earned by sacrificing the health and lives of our future generations,” she warned, stating that failing to raise taxes is akin to pushing 4,300 citizens to their deaths annually.
During the committee meeting, members discussed the potential economic impacts and the need for effective implementation, including better quality control of imported products and enhanced public education. The committee supported discussing the bill within the framework of its concept.
- News source: Тамхины хяналтын тухай хуульд нэмэлт, өөрчлөлт оруулах тухай хуулийн төслийг хэлэлцэхийг дэмжив
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