Key highlights
- The Belarus government plans to increase tobacco taxes by about 12% and e-cigarette taxes by 20%.
- They will also reintroduce a consumption tax on heated tobacco products.
- The goal of the tax reform is to bring all smoking devices under the tax regulatory system.
On October 21, 2025, Belarus will increase excise duties on tobacco and vaping products next year, Finance Minister Yury Seliverstov announced on national television.
Seliverstov said the new excise rates — about a 12% increase for tobacco and up to 20% for vapes — aim to strengthen fiscal stability and address public health concerns. The reform will also reintroduce excise taxes on heating systems for smoking, a category previously exempted from taxation.
“We are returning to a fair and consistent structure — all smoking systems should be taxed,” Seliverstov said during his interview on the First Information program.
He added that raising fuel or food taxes is not being considered, as such measures would immediately impact all citizens.
Observers believe the reform reflects the government’s attempt to strike a balance between fiscal sustainability and health objectives. The higher excise rates are expected to raise retail prices and encourage greater regulation of the domestic nicotine market.
Image source: Belarusian Telegraph Agency (БелТА)
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