Health Authorities Push for Higher Tobacco Taxes and Prices; E-Cigarettes May Benefit
On December 10, China’s National Health and Family Planning Commission held a regular press conference to introduce the country’s tobacco control situation and progress in tobacco control legislation. It stated that raising taxes and prices on tobacco pro
On December 10, the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China (referred to as the NHFPC) held a regular press conference to introduce the current situation of tobacco control and the legalization of tobacco control in China. They stated that they would consider increasing taxes and prices on tobacco products to protect public health.
At the press conference, Yao Hongwen, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of the NHFPC, stated that there are over 300 million smokers in China, with a smoking rate of 28.1% among people aged 15 and above. Additionally, 740 million non-smokers are exposed to the dangers of secondhand smoke. Each year, 1.366 million people die from smoking-related diseases, and about 100,000 die from diseases caused by secondhand smoke exposure.
Yao pointed out that the NHFPC will actively cooperate with relevant departments to research and formulate measures to promote the increase of taxes and prices on tobacco products.
According to the World Health Organization's recommendations, the consumption tax rate on tobacco products should be raised to over 70% of the retail price to effectively control smoking.
Industry insiders believe that the increase in tobacco taxes and prices is expected to benefit the electronic cigarette industry.
At the press conference, Yao Hongwen, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of the NHFPC, stated that there are over 300 million smokers in China, with a smoking rate of 28.1% among people aged 15 and above. Additionally, 740 million non-smokers are exposed to the dangers of secondhand smoke. Each year, 1.366 million people die from smoking-related diseases, and about 100,000 die from diseases caused by secondhand smoke exposure.
Yao pointed out that the NHFPC will actively cooperate with relevant departments to research and formulate measures to promote the increase of taxes and prices on tobacco products.
According to the World Health Organization's recommendations, the consumption tax rate on tobacco products should be raised to over 70% of the retail price to effectively control smoking.
Industry insiders believe that the increase in tobacco taxes and prices is expected to benefit the electronic cigarette industry.
