The Economic Impact of Legalizing E-cigarettes in Brazil

Aug.08.2024
The Economic Impact of Legalizing E-cigarettes in Brazil
A study suggests legalizing e-cigarettes in Brazil could generate over 1.02 billion reais annually for Rio de Janeiro state.

According to a report from Odia on August 7th, a study has shown that the legalization of e-cigarettes in Brazil could bring in over 1.02 billion reais (approx. $18.09 million USD) in revenue to the state of Rio de Janeiro annually.


A study conducted by the Federation of Industries of the State of Minas Gerais (FIEMG) analyzed the expected demand for these products and the potential ICMS tax revenue that could be generated after commercial legalization.


This study indicates that Rio de Janeiro will become the fifth largest high-tax state in the country.


This information is based on the latest research from Ipec (Research and Consulting Intelligence), which calculates that Brazil has 3.5 million potential e-cigarette consumers per year, bringing in a market value of 10.5 billion Brazilian reais (1.86 billion US dollars) annually for the country. The study was commissioned by British American Tobacco Brasil (BAT Brasil).


Despite Anvisa maintaining the ban in April of this year, the consumption of e-cigarettes continues to increase. Data from Ipec shows that by 2023, the number of e-cigarette consumers in Brazil has reached 2.9 million, an increase of 600% from six years ago.


In Rio de Janeiro, the growth rate is 300%. Due to lack of regulation, these consumers face an illegal market where taxes are not paid and hygiene standards are not followed.


Considering the demand and the 20% ICMS tax on the sale of e-cigarettes in all states, the agency estimates that total revenue could reach 21 billion Brazilian reais (3.7 billion US dollars), which would help increase revenues for states and improve fiscal balance.


The Chief Economist of FIEMG, João Gabriel Pio, emphasized that allowing the import and sale of these products can also promote economic activity.


Based on estimates of the demands of 3.5 million consumers, it is expected that this market could reach 10.5 billion reais annually. These numbers reflect the potential impact on the national economy, and if production takes place in Brazil, it could also create jobs and income.


If this potential market is filled by the domestic legitimate tobacco industry, the national income could exceed R$27 billion (US$4.8 billion). Otherwise, in the absence of regulation, these incomes will continue to flow towards the smuggling activities that currently dominate the market.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

PMI Expands U.S. ZYN Portfolio With New 1.5 mg and 8 mg Strengths, Moves Toward a Unified 20-Pouch-Per-Can Format
PMI Expands U.S. ZYN Portfolio With New 1.5 mg and 8 mg Strengths, Moves Toward a Unified 20-Pouch-Per-Can Format
Philip Morris International is expanding its U.S. ZYN nicotine pouch portfolio with new 1.5 mg and 8 mg strengths and plans to move its core 3 mg and 6 mg dry-pouch products from 15 to 20 pouches per can in the fourth quarter of 2026. ZYN ULTRA is also commercially available, with FDA authorization covering 10 products at 9 mg and one 11 mg Smooth product. PMI U.S. lists the new 1.5 mg and 8 mg strengths as commercially available, but as of September 10 they do not appear on the FDA’s public authorization list. Public materials do not identify which PMTA submissions cover the two new strengths or their current review status.
Sep.11
Reuters: India Seeks to Dismiss Adani Nicotine Pouch Challenge as Mumbai Airport Dispute Moves to Court
Reuters: India Seeks to Dismiss Adani Nicotine Pouch Challenge as Mumbai Airport Dispute Moves to Court
Reuters reported on July 13, 2026, that India is seeking to dismiss Adani Airports’ legal challenge over nicotine pouch sales at Mumbai International Airport’s duty-free shops. Adani denies wrongdoing and argues that existing drug and cosmetics regulations do not apply to duty-free sales or nicotine pouches.
Innovation
Jul.14 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Bret Koplow Takes Permanent Charge of FDA Tobacco Center After Pushing Faster PMTA Reviews, as HHS Emphasizes Innovation and Access to Lower-Risk Alternatives
Bret Koplow Takes Permanent Charge of FDA Tobacco Center After Pushing Faster PMTA Reviews, as HHS Emphasizes Innovation and Access to Lower-Risk Alternatives
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has named Bret Koplow permanent director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, ending his period as acting chief. Koplow has spent years working on tobacco regulation, law and policy inside the FDA and, while serving as acting director, pushed for faster PMTA reviews and nicotine pouch review pilots. HHS also said CTP will prioritize innovation and access to less harmful alternatives for adult smokers while continuing efforts to protect youth.
Sep.09
JT’s Ploom Volumes Rise 43.5% as Cigarettes Anchor Its Transition
JT’s Ploom Volumes Rise 43.5% as Cigarettes Anchor Its Transition
JT’s Ploom heated-tobacco volumes rose 43.5% in the first half of 2026, while combustibles still represented about 97% of its tobacco volume and remained the main earnings base. In Japan, reduced-risk products now account for 48.7% of industry shipments, shifting competition from category adoption towards brand share, pricing and consumer retention. JT’s results offer a revealing case of a traditional tobacco company pursuing a prolonged, dual-track transformation.
JTI
Jul.30
Special Report | Altria Subsidiaries Sue FDA to Vacate 2021 PMTA Rule as Agency Moves to Speed Reviews
Special Report | Altria Subsidiaries Sue FDA to Vacate 2021 PMTA Rule as Agency Moves to Speed Reviews
2Firsts reviewed the original federal court complaint filed by Altria subsidiaries Helix Innovations and NJOY on Sept. 2 challenging FDA’s 2021 PMTA rule. The lawsuit questions whether FDA’s review process complies with the Tobacco Control Act’s 180-day timeline, even as the agency moves to accelerate PMTA reviews and issues more marketing orders. Drawing on the complaint, FDA records, government audits and recent court rulings, 2Firsts examines the legal arguments, supporting evidence and potential implications for the U.S. tobacco review system.
Regulations
Sep.03
Major U.S.  Vape Distributor Demand Vape Pays at Least $300,000 for White House Lobbying Amid Enforcement Pressure
Major U.S. Vape Distributor Demand Vape Pays at Least $300,000 for White House Lobbying Amid Enforcement Pressure
New York vape distributor Ecto World, which operates as Demand Vape, hired political consultant Roger Stone to lobby the Executive Office of the President on regulation of vaping and related products while facing state enforcement and multiple lawsuits. Public lobbying disclosures show that Ecto World paid at least $300,000 for the work through June 30, 2026. Separately, New York State announced in March that more than 28,500 pounds of vaping products tied to the company had been seized, while New York City and the state have pursued legal or enforcement actions. Public records do not show that the lobbying directly changed any specific regulatory or enforcement outcome.
Sep.08