Key Points:
The state of Washington in the United States is advancing House Bill 2033, which aims to include nicotine pouches and other products in the category of tobacco product taxes.
Supporters believe that this will help reduce the use of nicotine products among teenagers, while opponents are concerned that it will exacerbate the issue of smuggling.
If approved, the new tax rate will take effect on January 1, 2026.
According to NBC Right Now on April 8th, the Washington state legislature is advancing a new bill to increase taxes on nicotine products.
The HB 2033 bill, proposed by Vancouver Assemblywoman Monica Jurado Stonier, aims to include products such as nicotine pouches in the current "Other Tobacco Products" (OTP) tax category.
The proposed legislation aims to broaden the definition of "moist snuff" and "tobacco products" to include products containing nicotine, whether derived from tobacco or synthesized. Supporters argue that raising taxes on nicotine products can help reduce teenage use.
The American Cancer Society supported the bill at the public hearing on April 8th. Audrey Miller-Garcia stated that all tobacco products should be taxed at the same rate to encourage quitting smoking, rather than switching to cheaper products.
Crystal Leatherman, from the Washington Retail Association, pointed out that the phenomenon of smuggling cigarettes and tobacco products is severe in Washington state due to high tax rates. Imposing high taxes on products that are seen as smoking cessation tools may exacerbate this issue.
According to the proposal,
Cigars will be taxed at a rate of 95% of the sales price, not to exceed 65 cents per cigar; small cigars will be taxed at 15.125 cents per cigar;
moist snuff: $2.526 per can for 1.2 ounces or less, and $2.105 per ounce for over 1.2 ounces;
all other tobacco products will be taxed at 95% of the sales price.
If the bill passes a vote by the full Parliament and is signed by the Governor, it will take effect on January 1, 2026.
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