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The issue of disposable e-cigarettes among children is becoming increasingly pressing in the Republic of Moldova. The latest study conducted by the Moldovan Pediatric Association in 2023 showed an alarming 36% e-cigarette use rate among children aged 10 to 16 years. Moreover, it is estimated that by 2023, the market share of e-cigarettes has reached nearly 12%.
Experts say both fiscal and balanced regulatory measures are needed to combat youth use of e-cigarettes. Excise taxes on e-cigarettes are currently 80% lower than those on heated tobacco and regular cigarettes, which helps the final price of the product become affordable for young people.
“Increasing the excise tax on e-cigarettes will have a dual impact: on the one hand, it will reduce access to these products among young people, and on the other hand, it will generate additional revenue that can be invested in prevention and education programs. Price increases have proven to be an effective measure in many other countries,” said Grigore Garaz, psychiatrist and psychotherapist, assistant professor in the Department of Mental Health at USMF.
The same view is shared by neurologist Constantin Buceaşchi, who points out that e-cigarettes enter Moldova through small dealers who aim for profit. The expert also said that there are often illegally imported e-cigarettes on the market, which do not have an excise stamp and have health warnings in English.
“Merchants do not verify age, but sell these products on social media, promote them on TikTok and offer discounts and cashbacks. At the same time, the nicotine content of e-cigarettes often exceeds the prescribed limit – 20 mg/ml, and the packaging is designed to attract teenagers. It is an attractive device with many complex fruit flavors and familiar tastes such as Coca-Cola, Hubba-Bubba, in addition, they contain sugar, which makes them sweet.” Neurology and Neurorehabilitation “NeuroKos”.
On the regulatory front, experts said the measures being implemented require stricter controls.
“Despite strict legislation, its implementation leaves much to be desired and Moldova is facing an alarming increase in the use of e-cigarettes and hookahs among young people. The law must be applied more strictly to protect the health of young people”, says interventional cardiologist Eugen Calenici.
Experts also said that it is essential to invest in improving the quality of education in schools and kindergartens, and that teaching time on these subjects provides comprehensive information on the dangers associated with smoking and the use of e-cigarettes. Recently, the Ministry of Education, in cooperation with a non-governmental association, launched the “Smoke-Free Future” project, which includes information sessions on the dangers of smoking, information and education campaigns at the national level on the risks posed by smoking and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle free of tobacco and nicotine.
The Ministry of Finance, for its part, proposed to increase the excise tax rate on e-cigarette cartridges and pods (including disposable e-cigarettes) in the fiscal policy of the budget for 2025. The document stipulates that the excise tax on e-cigarette cartridges and pods will be increased from 2690.87 lei per liter to 3094.50 lei per liter.
source: United Media
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