Spain’s vape tax hike is dangerously misguided, say international health experts

31 October – Plans to impose excessive taxes on e-cigarettes in Spain could condemn thousands of Spanish smokers to a premature death, according to international health experts.
Under new proposals, the Spanish government is set to treat tobacco-free vapes the same as far more harmful combustible cigarettes. It wants to introduce a levy of €0.15 per ml of e-liquid, as well as a levy of €0.006 per milligram of nicotine, as part of its annual budget.
Criticising the move, Dr Delon Human, leader of Smoke Free Sweden said: “Sweden is on the cusp of becoming smoke free, thanks to its sensible approach to tobacco harm reduction. This includes a policy of making safer alternatives to cigarettes sufficiently affordable for smokers to make the switch. This contrasts greatly with this proposed move from the Spanish government, which risks forcing thousands of current vapers back to smoking and condemning them to an unnecessarily premature death.”
Alternative products, such as e-cigarettes and oral pouches, have been instrumental in helping Swedish smokers quit their deadly habit. Smoking rates in Sweden have plummeted by 55% over the last decade, thanks to its progressive policies on alternative nicotine products. Compared to the rest of the European Union, Sweden boasts 44% fewer tobacco-related deaths, a 41% lower cancer rate, and 38% fewer deaths attributable to any cancer.
Dr Human added: “We urge the Spanish government to reconsider taxing safer alternatives the same as cigarettes and instead focus on evidence-based policies that have been proven effective in Sweden and other forward-thinking nations. With the tools available today, we have the opportunity to foster a healthier, smoke free future. It’s essential to maintain these tools, which are already assisting millions in their efforts to quit smoking for good.”
ENDS
About Smoke Free Sweden
Smoke Free Sweden is a campaign which encourages other countries to follow the Swedish model when it comes to Tobacco Harm Reduction. Sweden is about to become the first ‘smoke free’ European country, with a smoking rate of below 5 percent. This remarkable achievement can be attributed to Sweden’s open attitude towards alternative products.
For more information on Sweden’s successful approach to becoming a smoke free nation, please visit www.smokefreesweden.org.
Contact
Smoke Free Sweden
info@smokefreesweden.org