In Belgium, the federal government, in the process of drawing up the 2023 budget, is looking for revenue and could very quickly turn to vaping to fill its coffers. Indeed, if tobacco remains a good vein for the finances of the State, a tax on vaping products from 2024 could allow the government to collect more than 200 million euros.
A TAX ON THE VAPE? THE ESSENTIAL SUBJECT!
The federal government has understood this, the vape today represents a real vein to fill the coffers with taxes. According to government plans, the imposition of excise duties on vape products would take place in 2024. This would bring excise revenue to 200 million. At this stage, there are no details on the type of alternative tobacco products that would be targeted.
Cigarettes, cigars and manufactured tobacco products are subject to compulsory taxation at European level. The last directive that governs these products and imposes a minimum of excise duties dates from 2011 (Directive 2011/64/EU). Electronic cigarettes, vape products and heated tobacco products entered the market after this date and are not subject to a mandatory European excise policy. However, nothing prevents Member States from taxing them on their side, which Belgium is about to do.
Europe could, by 2024, facilitate the work of Belgium. A revision of the European Tobacco Products Directive is planned. Already discussed in recent years, the revision project is not on the European Commission's agenda in 2022 but could be in the second quarter of 2023. The decision to impose excise duties on alternative tobacco products would be on the menu.
For its part, the Belgian Cancer Foundation considers it a good thing, but brings nuances. She said to herself « totally agree with the opinion of the Superior Health Council which advises to have taxes on electronic cigarettes« . But, says the Belgian Cancer Foundation, « we do not recommend a tax as high as on conventional cigarettes. Indeed, electronic cigarettes must remain affordable because they are of interest in terms of smoking cessation. And it is also important that they remain accessible also for smokers from disadvantaged socio-economic classes in which there are more smokers.« .
