Kazakhstan's Economy Minister: Banning Vapes won't Have Great Economic Impact
According to a report by Kazakhstani media outlet Tengrinews.kz, Alibek Kuantyrov, the Minister of the National Economy of Kazakhstan, has stated that the country's economic revenue would not be significantly affected if e-cigarettes and disposable e-cigarettes were to be prohibited domestically.
Kuantilov stated that although he did not provide specific figures, he emphasized the need for a thorough analysis prior to implementing the ban.
He pointed out that the market size of e-cigarettes is not significant, but when implementing any ban, it is necessary to correctly assess the risks, which will have an impact not only on the economy but also on society as a whole. He warned that continuous bans on all products would encourage the development of smuggling activities, posing such risks.
He clearly pointed out that the public needs to distinguish between e-cigarettes and disposable e-cigarettes. Under the current regulations, purchasing e-cigarettes requires the presentation of identification cards and the payment of consumption taxes.
He stated that investors are willing to enter the market if it involves e-cigarettes, provided that the consumption tax is not as high as it is now.
However, we have also heeded the recommendations of members of parliament and the Ministry of Health, resulting in an increase in the corresponding consumption tax," stated Kuantirov.
He admitted that disposable e-cigarettes may pose health risks and expressed support for a ban, but also presented a dissenting view.
He said, "It is crucial to conduct proper analysis because on one hand, we need to safeguard public health, and on the other hand, we do not want to exacerbate the situation, making smuggling and the illegal sales of products the norm.
According to reports, Kazakhstan has been discussing a complete or partial ban on disposable e-cigarettes for several years. In October, the Speaker of the Parliament, Yeralan Koshanov, repeatedly urged the Ministry of Health to promptly make important decisions.
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