16:14 1 August 2024
Increased excise duty on cigarettes helps, but more is required for shortfall
The Polish Ministry of Finance plans a 25% increase in tobacco excise duty, expected to raise an additional PLN 4-5 billion annually. This increase will affect cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, innovative products, and e-cigarette liquids, with the highest hikes for e-cigarette liquids at 75%. This plan aims to address the significant costs of tobacco use, which greatly exceed the additional revenue.
Tobacco-related costs, including healthcare and lost productivity, are estimated at around PLN 57 billion annually in Poland, and up to $2 trillion globally. The excise duty increase may partly offset these costs but is seen as insufficient compared to the broader economic burden of tobacco use.
