Lower taxes on Heated Tobacco Products are subsidising tobacco industry – new research
May 14, 2025 by bath.ac.uk
Lower taxes on Heated Tobacco Products are subsidising tobacco industry – new research
Research from the University of Bath and Johns Hopkins University reveals that governments lowering taxes on heated tobacco products (HTPs) to deter smokers from traditional cigarettes inadvertently subsidize the tobacco industry. This approach results in decreased tax revenues and undermines public health efforts. The study focused on Ukraine, where HTPs are taxed similarly to cigarettes. While tobacco companies promote HTPs as safer alternatives, evidence on their health impacts remains inconclusive. Tax harmonization, as seen in Ukraine, aligns with WHO recommendations to prevent market manipulation. The researchers stress the importance of taxing HTPs appropriately and urge policymakers to prioritize public health over industry profits.
