Recent significant increases in tobacco taxes in the Netherlands, aimed at curbing smoking rates, have led to a substantial rise in Dutch smokers purchasing cheaper tobacco products abroad, according to new research by the Dutch public health agency. While the tax hikes did result in some smokers quitting or reducing consumption, the ease of cross-border shopping in a small, wealthy country is undermining the policy’s overall effectiveness.
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The European Commission is contemplating substantial increases in excise duties on tobacco products, including a potential 258% hike on rolling tobacco and a 139% rise for cigarettes, according to an internal impact assessment. The document, obtained by POLITICO, also reveals plans to introduce EU-wide taxation on currently untaxed or inconsistently taxed items like vapes (e-cigarettes) and heated tobacco products.
Read moreA coalition of Georgia lawmakers and prominent public health organizations is intensifying efforts to raise the state’s cigarette tax, which currently stands as the second-lowest in the nation. Advocates argue that an increase would not only discourage smoking and improve public health outcomes but also generate significant revenue to help offset the substantial healthcare costs associated with smoking-related illnesses. This renewed push comes as federal budget cuts impact state-level tobacco prevention programs.
Read moreCroatia is set to introduce a new excise duty on e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes (vapes) and increase existing taxes on other tobacco products, effective July 1st. The move, part of a government decree amending excise regulations, has caused significant concern among vape retailers, who warn it could lead to drastic price hikes and potentially the end of business for many.
Read moreKyrgyzstan’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.
Read moreDelaware lawmakers are advancing legislation to substantially increase taxes on cigarettes, other tobacco products, and vaping items. This push for higher “sin taxes” comes after a proposal by Governor Matt Meyer’s administration to introduce new personal income tax brackets for higher earners was shelved, with House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown deeming the initial income tax relief for lower earners insufficient.
Read moreIllinois’ new budget increases the effective tax rate on all tobacco products, including vapes and e-cigarettes, to 45% to boost state revenue.
Read more15 EU countries, including Germany & France, urge European Commission to update tobacco tax laws, impose vape levy & raise cigarette excise.
Read moreSouth Africa’s Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has confirmed increases in excise duties on tobacco and vaping products in the latest iteration of the budget, dubbed “Budget 3.0,” presented on May 21, 2025. While a controversial VAT hike was scrapped, consumers of cigarettes and alternative nicotine products like vapes will face higher prices.
Read moreA top official from the Philippines’ Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has advocated for imposing significantly higher excise taxes on vape products compared to traditional cigarettes. During a Senate Committee on Ways and Means hearing, BIR Assistant Commissioner Jethro Sabariaga argued that while cigarettes and heated-tobacco products could be taxed similarly, vape products warrant a much steeper levy.
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