According to a report by Sputnik on March 10th, Kaha Gvinianidze, the coordinator of the non-communicable diseases program at the World Health Organization, expressed shock at Georgia's proposal to reduce the tobacco consumption tax from 60 Georgian lari (22.60 US dollars) to 30 Georgian lari (11.30 US dollars). Gvinianidze stated that this measure goes against the government's tobacco control policy implemented in 2021.
This violates the national tobacco control policy approved in 2021, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to which Georgia is a signatory, as well as Directive 283 of the association.
According to the initiative of David Songulashvili, Chair of the Parliamentary Economic Policy Committee, and other members, a bill has been registered in parliament aimed at reducing the tax rate on tobacco products from 60 Georgian Lari ($22.60) to 30 Georgian Lari ($11.30). Documents published on the parliament's website show that if the legislative initiative is passed, budget tax revenues will decrease.
However, the proposal has received support from the majority party members in Parliament, who claim that this will help stimulate industry development, increase market competitiveness, and reduce the importation of illegal tobacco.
Georgia and the European Union signed an agreement that includes a provision to increase tobacco taxes, with a commitment to fully implement it by 2022. However, this agreement has been extended until 2026.
Notice
1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.
2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.
Copyright
This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.
This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.
