Poland’s Ministry of Finance has proposed a substantial increase in excise taxes on electronic cigarettes and e-liquids. This legislative move aims to decrease the economic accessibility of vaping products, directly targeting a surge in consumption among Polish youth and addressing growing public health concerns.
The draft amendment to the excise tax act, recently published by the Government Legislation Centre, outlines significant price hikes designed to deter consumers.
| Product Category | Current Excise Tax | Proposed Excise Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Vaping Devices & Parts | 40 PLN | 50 PLN |
| E-liquids (per ml) | 0.96 PLN | 2.20 PLN |
Furthermore, the Ministry plans to close an existing tax loophole by extending the excise tax to power and control units. Currently, modular e-cigarettes where components—such as heating coils—are sold separately often escape this taxation entirely.
This financial crackdown aligns with recent warnings from major medical bodies. In a joint March statement, the Polish Oncological Society and the Polish Cardiac Society condemned the marketing of vapes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) as “less harmful alternatives.” Backed by the World Health Organization (WHO), these experts argue that the “harm reduction” narrative is a misleading tobacco industry strategy that undermines anti-smoking policies.
Medical professionals are particularly alarmed by youth adoption rates, which now outpace traditional smoking. According to the 2022 Global Youth Tobacco Survey in Poland, usage among adolescents aged 13 to 15 is stark:
- E-cigarettes: Used by over 23% of girls and 21% of boys.
- Traditional Cigarettes: Used by 12.3% of girls and 11.2% of boys.
- Heated Tobacco: Used by 10.4% of girls and 9.7% of boys.
By raising costs, the Ministry of Finance hopes to reverse these trends and positively impact the long-term health of Polish citizens.
