- The Polish Ministry of Finance has proposed the introduction of standardized packaging for tobacco products to reduce brand promotion and discourage smoking.
- The proposal is part of a collaboration between the Ministries of Finance and Health in preparing an amendment to the Public Health Protection Act.
- Jaroslaw Neneman, Deputy Finance Minister, noted that 19 countries, including Belgium, France, Hungary, and Ireland, have already adopted similar measures, first introduced by Australia in 2012.
- The Ministry believes that standardized packaging, which removes branding elements and highlights health warnings, could further decrease the number of smokers in Poland.
- The Ministry also proposes raising the excise tax on tobacco, with the price of a pack of cigarettes expected to reach 27 PLN (6.3 EUR) by 2027.
- According to a report by the Polish Academy of Sciences, nearly 29% of Polish adults smoke cigarettes.
Warsaw, August 19 (FFN) – The Polish government is planning to introduce standardized packaging for tobacco products as part of a broader effort to reduce smoking rates and limit the promotion of tobacco brands. This proposal was put forward by the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, as reported by PAP.
The initiative is part of an amendment to the Public Health Protection Act aimed at enhancing public health measures. According to Jaroslaw Neneman, Deputy Finance Minister, the introduction of plain packaging has already been adopted by 19 countries, including Belgium, France, Hungary, and Ireland. This measure was first implemented by Australia in 2012.
The ministry’s statement highlighted that the combination of advertising bans and graphic health warnings has been associated with a decrease in new smokers. By removing brand logos and other promotional elements, and making health warnings more prominent, standardized packaging is expected to further reduce smoking rates in Poland.
Additionally, the Ministry of Finance has proposed an increase in the excise tax on tobacco products, with the goal of raising the price of a pack of cigarettes to approximately 27 PLN (6.3 EUR) by 2027.
A report published last year by the Polish Academy of Sciences revealed that almost 29% of Polish adults are smokers, underscoring the need for stronger tobacco control measures.
Overview of Tobacco Control Measures in Poland
| Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| Standardized Packaging | Proposed to reduce brand promotion and smoking initiation |
| Countries with Similar Measures | 19, including Belgium, France, Hungary, Ireland |
| Expected Price of Cigarettes (2027) | 27 PLN (6.3 EUR) |
| Current Smoking Rate in Poland | 29% of adults |
| Legislation | Amendment to the Public Health Protection Act |
