EU Tax Proposals Criticised
June 02, 2026 by planetofthevapes.co.uk
EU Tax Proposals Criticised
Planned EU tax increases on smoke-free nicotine products are criticised for undermining the fight against smoking. Heavy excise duties on vapes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches could make safer alternatives less affordable and less attractive to adults who smoke. Tax policy is described as needing to reflect the different levels of risk between combustible cigarettes and non-combustible products. Excessive taxation may also widen the gap between legal and illicit markets, encouraging smuggling and weakening both public health and government revenues. Sweden’s experience is used to argue that safer alternatives should remain accessible, acceptable and affordable if Europe wants to reduce smoking.
