Singapore Government Sees Minimal Impact on Revenue from E-cigarette Ban
Recently, according to Indonesian media outlet ddtc, the Singaporean government has stated that it is not overly concerned about the impact of the e-cigarette ban policy on national revenue.
Singapore Finance Minister Lawrence Wong has stated that the ban on e-cigarettes will indeed reduce potential tax revenue. However, he further asserts that this policy is a top priority for safeguarding public health.
The potential loss of tobacco consumption tax revenue, resulting from the decrease in consumption of tobacco products, is not a factor considered in this decision.
Mr. Huang made the aforementioned statement while responding to inquiries from congressional members. Mr. Lin inquired about the total potential loss in consumption tax revenue since 2018 due to the e-cigarette ban.
Huang Xuncai explained that the government is concerned about public health. Therefore, the government is seeking to protect the public from the dangers of e-cigarettes.
He explained that the potential harm caused by legalizing e-cigarettes is just as significant as with other tobacco products. Therefore, the government insists it will not change its policy of prohibiting e-cigarettes.
He stated that the government has no plans to change its policies "as we prioritize safeguarding public health and preventing harm, especially to Singapore's youth.
The Singaporean government has imposed a ban on e-cigarettes, categorizing their use as illegal in the country. Offenders could face fines of up to SGD 2,000. Anyone involved in importing, distributing, or selling these products may be subject to even harsher penalties, including imprisonment.
The Singapore government announced in December 2023 that it will strengthen inspections at the country's sea, land, and air entry points as part of efforts to curb the illegal importation of e-cigarettes. In addition, the government has also reinforced regulations on the sale of e-cigarettes through social media and online shopping websites.
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