Revised VAT Bill Approved in Egypt, Expecting Cigarette Price Increase

Oct.31.2023

Egypt's Parliament approved a revised value-added tax bill, raising tobacco taxes and leading to an expected increase in cigarette prices.

According to a report from Egypt Independent on October 30th, Ibrahim Imbaby, the head of the tobacco department at the Egyptian Chamber of Commerce, disclosed that the Egyptian House of Representatives has approved a revised value-added tax bill. With the increase in tobacco taxes proposed in the bill, it is expected that cigarette prices in Egypt will rise.

The bill includes a 50% increase in specific taxes on cigarette products in the local market, covering three tiers (low, medium, high). Moreover, it also raises the prices of heated tobacco and e-cigarettes.

He further explained that the lowest category of prices will not exceed 30 Egyptian pounds, as the law sets the maximum at 31 Egyptian pounds, and added, "The company will leave one pound for price fluctuations." He clarified that the prices for the medium category will not exceed 43 Egyptian pounds, while the prices for the highest category will range from 55 to 60 Egyptian pounds, based on the increase in the new tax rates.

References:

[1] Egypt's cigarette prices to increase once more following new VAT tax

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[1] Egyptian Customs Seize Smuggled Marijuana E-Cigarettes in Aswan

[2] Eastern Company: Acquisition by Global Investments Holding for $625 million

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