Even though the question of a specific tax on vaping arises in the European Union, certain countries such as Saudi Arabia are confronted with another health problem. Indeed, by imposing a tax on vaping products, smokers financially raise the question of the interest of switching to an alternative to tobacco.
TAX, VAPING, A BALANCE TO FIND!
Here is the very example of the mistake not to make when you really want to offer an alternative with risk reduction. If since 2010, policymakers and health authorities in Saudi Arabia have intensified their efforts to protect public health from the dangers associated with tobacco consumption, a mistake was probably made by imposing a tax on vaping.
In 2022, the country applied an exponential customs duty rate on vaping; this decision was part of his desire to further diversify his sources of income. However, the consequence is clear: the costs of e-cigarettes have increased significantly; therefore, smokers are now faced with a much more expensive alternative to cigarettes…
HEAVY TAX, SMOKING RETURN
This decision by Saudi Arabia contrasts with international research, including the National Health Service from the United Kingdom. They recognize that vaping is the best alternative to tobacco products.
Additionally, a report released earlier this year found that higher taxation of vaping products is associated with a decrease in the use of e-cigarettes and an increase in smoking among 18 to 25 year olds.
This, in turn, raises the long-standing difficulty of balancing the introduction of new regulations with potential unintended consequences that could derail some of the positive aspects and intentions of said regulations.
Anyway, it is a real lesson that the leaders of the European Union must remember. Imposing a heavy tax on vaping would amount to totally discrediting the risk reduction work carried out for years by pushing smokers towards long years of smoking.
