Almost 3.5 million people in France use vaping to limit or even end their dependence on tobacco. Supported by centrist deputy Charles de Courson, a new amendment proposes creating “taxes dedicated to vaping products”, that is, the liquid used in electronic cigarettes. Previously these products were only subject to VAT.
In total, an additional 15 cents per milliliter could be applied to these vaping liquids. As a result, a 10 ml bottle could suffer an increase of 1.50 euros (i.e., on average from 5.90 euros to 7.40 euros).
“It can demotivate many”
A perspective that does not seem to weaken the morale of vapers. “Above all, I will be less rich but I will continue to consume the same amount,” explains a young man on BFM TV. “It’s still cheaper than regular cigarettes and better for your health,” argues another vaper.
But the story does not seem the same on the part of the sellers, or at least if we believe Sean Aouizerat, manager of the Dragon’s Vape store in Nice: “When we have fair prices, it helps people to motivate themselves (…), yes “We reduce the importance of this financial argument, I think it could demotivate many.”
Some tobacco specialists have also expressed their strong disagreement with this measure. “It is a fairly effective way for a certain number of smokers to quit smoking,” defends Bernard Basset, president of the French Addictions Association. “We should not penalize vaping if we have public health objectives.”
This anti-vaping tax could bring the State between 150 and 200 million euros per year. On the other hand, no additional increase in the price of tobacco is on the menu of the new finance bill.
Source: BFM TV
