Controversy Over Proposed Tobacco Tax Reduction in Georgia

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai

Mar.11.2024

Controversy Over Proposed Tobacco Tax Reduction in Georgia

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). WHO official expresses disbelief over Georgia's plan to reduce tobacco tax, contradicting national policy.

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.

References:

[1] ВОЗ выступает против снижения вдвое акциза на табак в Грузии

Also Read:

[1] Violation of Tobacco Control Law: Smoking in Public Spaces in Georgia

[2] Smuggling Operation in Turkey Uncovered: E-cigarettes, Shisha Tobacco Seized

[3] Georgia Parliament Considers Halving Tobacco Consumption Tax Rate

[4] Concerns Raised Over Georgian Parliament's Proposed Tobacco Packaging Bill

[5] Georgia Parliament Introduces Amended Tobacco Control Law

#Europe #Traditional tobacco #Legislation #Georgia #E-cigarette Taxes

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

EUIPO Rejects Imiracle’s Opposition to ‘Crystal’ Trademark, Citing Lack of Proof of Actual Use in Slovakia

The EUIPO has ruled that Imiracle failed to demonstrate actual commercial use of its “Elfbar Crystal” brand in Slovakia, and therefore rejected in full the company’s opposition to Shenzhen SKE Technology’s application to register the “Crystal” trademark. The EUIPO noted that the sales records submitted by Imiracle were limited in scope and that the product packaging was in Ukrainian, which it found insufficient to prove that the products had been placed on the Slovak market.

Dec.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Wisconsin Lawmakers Revive Bill to Raise Legal Age for Tobacco and Vaping Purchases to 21

Wisconsin Senate Bill 524 (SB 524) has been reintroduced to raise the legal purchasing age for tobacco and electronic nicotine products from 18 to 21, aiming to eliminate the gap between state law and the federal “Tobacco 21” standard. Some retailers in Madison have already voluntarily adopted the 21-year age limit, while the American Lung Association is urging swift legislative action.

Dec.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Australia Leads COP11 Seminars as Exploding Illicit Tobacco Market Raises Questions

Australia sent a delegation to COP11 in Switzerland and is leading three major seminars to showcase its vape and tobacco control policies. But at home, illicit cigarette sales are skyrocketing amid record-high taxes, drawing criticism from the tobacco industry and prompting doubts over policy effectiveness.

Nov.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai

St. Petersburg May Become Russia’s First Region to Ban Vape Sales

St. Petersburg may become the first region in Russia to ban the sale of vapes. Senator Andrei Kutepov announced during a session of the Legislative Assembly that he is working to introduce restrictions on vape sales in the city, in line with President Vladimir Putin’s recent statement supporting a nationwide ban.