The Future of EU Tobacco Taxation: Insights from Member States and Best Practices for the Next Tobacco Excise Tax Directive
March 21, 2025 by taxfoundation.org
The Future of EU Tobacco Taxation: Insights from Member States and Best Practices for the Next Tobacco Excise Tax Directive
The update to the EU's Tobacco Excise Tax Directive seeks harm reduction through taxing safer products less, potentially reducing smoking rates and illicit markets. Sweden's success in embracing alternative tobacco products and reducing smoking rates is a model for other EU countries to follow. ATPs like vaping and snus offer less harmful nicotine consumption options, driving public health benefits globally. However, stringent restrictions in some EU countries hinder harm reduction. An updated Directive should support less harmful products through reduced taxes, promoting public health. International businesses could shift focus to safer products, influencing global health trends positively. The EU must lead by example in harm reduction for tobacco policy worldwide.
8.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 667,950 current smokers in Sweden.
SOURCE: GSTHR
