Belgium Imposes Taxes on E-Cigarette Liquid, Users Turn to France

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Aug.16.2024
Belgium Imposes Taxes on E-Cigarette Liquid, Users Turn to France
Belgium introduces e-cigarette liquid tax from 2024, leading users to cross French border for cheaper options.

According to RTL Info on August 15, starting from January 1, 2024, Belgium will impose a consumption tax on e-cigarette liquids. This has prompted many e-cigarette users in Belgium to cross the border into France to make purchases, as France currently does not have a similar tax in place.


Starting from January 1st, Belgium has implemented a consumption tax on e-cigarette liquid. In order to clear out their existing inventory, Belgium has set a six-month transition period.


Therefore, starting from July 1st, e-cigarette liquid sold in Belgium must be accompanied by tax stamps (similar to cigarettes) and be subject to excise and value-added taxes. This directly impacts the prices.


For example, the price of 10ml e-liquid has increased from 5 euros to 6.5 euros, while the price of 50ml e-liquid has increased from 17 euros to 24.5 euros.


Faced with these consumption taxes, some shops in Belgium have already closed. Others have relocated to the other side of the French border because consumption taxes have not yet been implemented there.


Melanie Robin, manager of a Belgian e-cigarette shop, has closed her store and relocated across borders.


I have clients from Flanders, Luxembourg, and Brussels. We feel that in Givet, there are more Belgians than French people. That says it all.


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