On the eve of December 4, the Ukrainian parliament adopted a new law that will significantly increase the excise tax rates on tobacco products. This decision was made in an effort to promote public health and reduce the number of smokers in the country. According to the new law, the excise tax on tobacco products will rise up to 80 UAH (Ukrainian Hryvnia), which is a significant increase from the current rate of 57 UAH.
The decision to raise the excise tax on tobacco products was met with both support and criticism from different groups. Some argue that this increase will lead to a decrease in tobacco consumption and ultimately improve public health. Others, however, believe that this will only lead to an increase in the black market for cigarettes and harm small businesses that rely on the sale of tobacco products.
The Deputy Minister of Finance, Sergiy Getmantsev, explained that the main goal of this new law is to reduce the number of smokers in Ukraine and protect the health of citizens. He also pointed out that the current excise tax rates on tobacco products in Ukraine are significantly lower than in other European countries. For example, in neighboring Russia, the excise tax on cigarettes is almost three times higher than in Ukraine.
The decision to increase the excise tax on tobacco products is not a new one. In recent years, the Ukrainian government has been actively working on implementing various measures to discourage smoking and promote a healthier lifestyle. One of the most effective measures has been the increase in excise tax rates. According to a study by the World Health Organization, a 10% increase in tobacco prices leads to a 4% decrease in tobacco consumption.
The new law also includes measures to regulate the tobacco market and prevent the sale of counterfeit cigarettes. This will not only protect consumers from harmful products, but also increase the government’s revenue from the excise tax.
The increase in the excise tax on tobacco products has received positive feedback from health experts and anti-smoking organizations. They see this as a step in the right direction and hope that it will lead to a decrease in the number of smokers and ultimately improve public health in Ukraine.
However, some small businesses and tobacco producers are concerned about the potential negative impact of this decision. They argue that the increase in excise tax rates will lead to a decrease in sales and ultimately harm their businesses. The government has promised to provide support for small businesses affected by this change.
In conclusion, the decision to increase the excise tax on tobacco products in Ukraine is a bold move towards promoting public health and reducing the number of smokers in the country. While there may be some negative consequences, the long-term benefits of this decision cannot be ignored. We hope that this new law will lead to a healthier nation and serve as an example for other countries to follow.
