New taxes on nicotine to drive the market and fund tomorrow's EU
The European Commission wants to introduce a new framework for the taxation of nicotine products. The proposal covers not only cigarettes and smoking tobacco, but also smokeless nicotine products such as e-liquid for e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches - the white snus authorised on the EU market.
The aim is said to be twofold: to even out price differences between different nicotine products and to harmonise taxation between EU countries. At the same time, the European Commission wants to use 15% of the tax revenue to finance the future activities of the Union.
Why this concerns you
This is not a technical tax issue at the margin. For many, it is about everyday economics and the ability to choose smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes.
A large proportion of those who currently sniff, vejpar or use nicotine pouches are former - or still - smokers. For them, smokeless nicotine products often serve as an alternative to cigarettes, which are still sold in most shops. In that reality, price matters.
Sharp increase in taxes on smoke-free alternatives
Sweden already taxes both e-liquid and nicotine pouches. The tax on e-liquid is SEK 2 or 4 per millilitre depending on the nicotine strength. The tax on white snus is SEK 209 per kilo.
However, the Commission's proposal dramatically increases the tax on nicotine pouches - to €1,400 per kg. In addition, it wants to impose nicotine tax on nicotine-free e-liquid (€2 per ml), ”for administrative reasons”. This is despite the fact that e-liquid is largely composed of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine - substances used in a variety of other products.
Make your voice heard
What would this mean for you as a consumer? How much more expensive would your nicotine use be?
Below you can calculate the impact of the EU proposal on your economy, based on your own consumption. The tool was developed by Clearing the Air - a media platform that, like Vejpkollen, scrutinises and monitors smoke-free nicotine legislation in the EU and globally.
👉 Knowledge is the first step to engagement.
How much will the e-liquid cost? How expensive will the can be? Fill in below!
Your voice is important! Clearing the Air and Vejpkollen therefore invite you, the reader, to use the calculator as a basis to contact both local politicians and MEPs. Ask them what they think about this? Is it reasonable that snus and vejpa should be less economically favourable than smoking cigarettes? Is this really a sound and evidence-based public health policy message?
SINCERELY
Stefan Mathisson
Former smoker, as vejpar for 10 years
Founder, editor-in-chief and publisher
Vejpkollen.se
