EU Plan to Heavily Tax Safer Substitutes for Cigarettes Draws Fire
August 22, 2025 by filtermag.org
EU Plan to Heavily Tax Safer Substitutes for Cigarettes Draws Fire
The European Union is considering imposing high taxes on safer nicotine products, sparking opposition from tobacco harm reduction advocates and scientists. The plan includes minimum taxes of 40-55% on vaping e-liquids, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products, which critics argue will hinder efforts to reduce smoking rates. Some EU member states, including Portugal, have raised objections to the tax proposal, stating that taxing less harmful smoking alternatives may discourage smokers from switching. Unanimous agreement from all 27 EU nations is needed for the proposal to become law. Critics emphasize the importance of promoting safer nicotine products to achieve the EU's smoke-free goal and warn against the potential negative impact of the tax plan.
