Study Shows Potential Loss of Tax Revenue from E-Cigarette Trade

Sep.29.2024
Study Shows Potential Loss of Tax Revenue from E-Cigarette Trade
A study from ESEM at the University of São Paulo shows that Brazil could lose $1.4 billion in tax revenue by 2025 due to illegal e-cigarette trade.

According to a report from Oparana on September 28th, a study conducted by the International Relations Institute (IRI) of the University of São Paulo's Institute of Multidimensional Security (ESEM) shows that Brazil could lose 7.7 billion reais (1.4 billion US dollars) in state and federal taxes by 2025 due to illegal e-cigarette trading.


A study maintaining a conservative outlook on market growth and monthly consumption predicts that if e-cigarette devices (DEFs) are taxed properly, Brazil could see tax revenues reaching 10.3 billion Brazilian reais (1.9 billion USD) by 2028. The study is based on research conducted by the Minas Gerais Industry Federation (FIEMG), which identified a potential market of 3.3 million e-cigarette users in Brazil.


Professor Leandro Piquet of the School of Multidimensional Security at the University of São Paulo explained that...


The illegal trade of e-cigarettes relies on four main pillars: bans, smuggling, corruption of public institutions, and digital sales.


One particular feature of this market is that the majority of its retail is done through the internet, making it easy to purchase even banned products through digital channels.


Researchers have stated that even in illegal circumstances, consumption levels continue to rise, leading to public doubts about the effectiveness of current policies. They believe that appropriate regulations and taxes may be a more feasible solution, which can both combat the illegal market and address related public safety issues.


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