WVS NEWS: E-Liquids in the EU May Face New Tax Hike
This proposal came after 15 EU member states wrote to EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen demanding new measures – arguing that the current law is not fit for a world where safer nicotine products are widely available. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. The Commission estimates the new taxes could raise just under €5bn in additional annual revenue.
‘Ignoring science, punishing the poor’
The leaked report projects that, as well as generating billions in additional revenue, the new taxes would hit small vape shops, cross-border shoppers and Europe’s lowest-income smokers the hardest.
However, the proposal has raised concerns among stakeholders.
Fred Roeder, managing director of the Consumer Choice Center, said: “Europe seems to think that punishing smokers trying to quit is a good way to shore up the public finances.”
“Smoking rates are highest among low-income Europeans, who are also the least able to afford higher prices,” said Michael Landl, director of the World Vapers’ Alliance. “This is not just bad policy, it’s a public health disaster giving way to social injustice. The Commission is ignoring science, punishing the poor, and giving anti-EU voices exactly what they want: proof that Brussels is out of touch and doesn’t care about ordinary people.”
The full proposal is expected before August 2025, after which it will undergo scrutiny and negotiation with EU member states and the European Parliament.
The outcome could reshape the regulatory and fiscal landscape for nicotine alternatives across the EU – with major implications for public health, consumer choice and industry dynamics.
– Antonia Di Lorenzo ECigIntelligence staff
