The 3rd public consultation for taxes on vape launched by the European Commission is open until June 22, 2021. It is important to participate to make our voices heard at https://ec.europa.eu/info/consultations/public-consultation-excise-duties-applied-manufactured-tobacco-and-possible-taxation-novel-products_en
In 2016 and 2018, nearly 90% of participants of both previous consultations opposed a vape excise tax. In this new consultation, question 25 seems to offer the opportunity for our request: no tax. This would be a lesser evil, but unfortunately it does not consider the only rational measure: a maximum tax limit of 0% to sustain harm reduction.
In the report on the previous public consultation, the European Commission was particularly dismissive of popular participation, field health professionnals associations and harm reduction advocates. This remains, however, one of the few opportunities for the common public to try to make its voice heard. That is why we urge you to take a few minutes to respond to this consultation. And show that whatever the final decision, we have not resigned ourselves to the power of the toxic influence of smoking profiteers.
Despite our previous mobilizations, the smoking profiteers lurk in the corridors of Brussels. Cigarette sellers, Big Tobacco-producing nations like India, and Big Pharma whose 15% of sales depend on smoking-related illnesses are working through their lobbying, sometimes under medical masks or disguised as philanthropists, to try to hinder the harm reduction movement.
However, the countries that have introduced taxes against vaping have seen their smoking rates increase as a result of the forced return to cigarrettes of people who had been able to switch to vaping. As well as the rise of black market or practices without control of safety for users. For example, following a tax of 3 € for 10 ml e-liquid in Finland, 70% of vape shops have closed and smoking has risen from 16% to 19% between 2013 and 2018, while it was falling by 1% per year for previous 10 years [data from Finland health agency Julkari.fi].
Similar negative effects have appeared in Italy, Estonia, Portugal, Hungary etc... Unfortunately, there is no lack of disastrous examples in EU. This policy of taxing repression hits the poorest in priority and increases social inequalities in health. This while the economic and social crisis of Covid will violently hit Europe. In addition to the increase in smoking, the risks are considerably increased for vape users with uncontrolled products. Also, Black markets do not care about the age of the buyers.
There is no reason of public health, no common interest, no social progress to artificially create this regressive and deleterious situation. No taxes on vape. No Means NO.
You can forward this message to your friends. As you know, we don't have money from billionnaire nor access to their media, so mobilisation depends of you. Thanks a lot.