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Polish senators endorse plan to hike tobacco taxes

30.10.2024 14:30
Polish senators have approved a government plan to increase excise taxes on tobacco products and electronic smoking devices during the next three years.
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Pixabay LicenseImage by Ralf Kunze from Pixabay

The measure passed in a 55-20 vote with no abstentions in the upper house of parliament on Wednesday, Poland’s PAP news agency reported.

The legislation, which was earlier backed by the lower chamber of Poland's bicameral parliament, now goes to President Andrzej Duda for signing into law.

The moveinitiated by the Polish government in late July, is part of a broader push aimed at curbing smoking rates across the nation.

Under the bill, excise tax on cigarettes will see a phased increase: 25 percent in 2025, followed by 20 percent in 2026, and 15 percent in 2027, according to an announcement by the Polish Prime Minister's Office.

The tax hikes will also apply to loose tobacco, with increases of 38 percent in 2025, 30 percent in 2026, and 22 percent in 2027.

A similar pattern will be followed for cigars and cigarillos, with excise taxes rising by 25 percent next year, 20 percent in 2026, and 15 percent in 2027. Dry tobacco products are slated for the same rate increases as loose tobacco.

The new rules will also extend to vaping products.

The excise tax on e-cigarette liquids will rise sharply, by 75 percent in 2025, followed by 50 percent in 2026 and 25 percent in 2027.

Innovative tobacco products will also face steeper taxes, with a 50-percent increase next year, 20 percent in 2026, and 15 percent in 2027.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP