Italy's New Govt to Lower E-Cigarette Tax in Budget

Dec.09.2022
Italy's New Govt to Lower E-Cigarette Tax in Budget
Italy's new Meloni government plans to reduce taxes on e-cigarette liquid, providing relief for users and suppliers.

The new Meloni government in Italy has directly included a reduction in the consumption tax on e-cigarette liquid in the budget law. In fact, starting from January 2023, the tax on e-cigarette liquid will double due to the previous Conte government passing the budget law. For the uninitiated, all liquids intended for inhalation, whether containing nicotine or not, that are suitable for use with e-cigarettes are subject to appropriate consumption taxes just like traditional cigarettes as they belong to the national monopoly.


In summary, it appears that the price of e-cigarette liquid will remain steady starting in January. This will allow hundreds of thousands of Italian e-cigarette users to continue the habit of quitting smoking at a very low monthly cost. In fact, e-cigarettes have become an effective method for quitting smoking. Thanks to the new budget law, there will be no maximum increase (although the tax imposed on each bottle of alcohol will double), and the final decision will be made by the national accounting department. However, predictions are not just positive, but seem to be on the cover of everything. In short, this is good news for all participants in the e-cigarette supply chain, from e-liquid producers to retailers and end consumers, all of whom can breathe a sigh of relief. For some time now, e-cigarette retailers and manufacturers have been expecting news like this. Having a "fixed" tax that does not increase every year can allow you to expand production, distribution, and sales networks, increase job opportunities, and provide an effective tool to fight traditional smoking for more and more people.


After being sent to Brussels, the text of the budget law will be reviewed by the parliament and may be subject to modifications. However, statements from the government and armored figures from the parliament seem to ensure the certainty that Article 28 will not be altered. The same article also stipulates a slight increase in consumer tax on traditional tobacco (which actually occurs annually) in order to make up for the reduced tax on electronic and heated tobacco, which are considered lower-risk products. Assessing the current situation, the government has seemingly sent an important signal to the world of electronic cigarettes, an industry that employs tens of thousands in Italy.


In short, this is good news for loyal customers who use DEA flavored liquids, which are fully manufactured in Trento, Italy by one of the major players in the industry. Best-selling products under the DEA brand such as DEA Calliope, DEA Venere, DEA Nemesi, DEA Cuba liquids, and all other DEA brands will maintain their current prices next year.


Even DIY electronic cigarette enthusiasts stick to the concentrated flavors and neutral base they are accustomed to using. The infamous nicotine bristle remains the best-selling item in specialty stores and will maintain its price. These bristles are typically made up of just three components (propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and precise levels of nicotine chosen by the consumer) and play an important role for those who prefer to make their own liquid using certified and compliant products. Concentrated flavorings, like common food flavorings used for candies and cookies, are excluded from the national monopoly consumption tax. The vital first step taken by Meloni's government is hoped to provide a lifeline for the increasing number of citizens at present.


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