The bill that seeks to amend the Tobacco Control Law and other legislation, passed by Parliament in first reading, should be reviewed and consulted with market stakeholders. The review should be based on the principles of a market economy and that of damage reduction. This conclusion is found in a study presented by the Moldovan Economic Freedom Institute.

Andrei Curăraru, a co-author of the study, told a press conference that the experience of 20 countries was analyzed and 19 of them have chosen a different taxing regime for e-cigarettes. According to him, most international organizations and specialized agencies agree that the harm caused by electronic cigarettes and the “heat-not-burn” technology is lower compared to a conventional cigarettes.

As for the draft amendment promoted in Moldova, Andrei Curăraru says only the Government’s opinion was presented, while those of the Ministry of Finance and of the Ministry of Economy are missing. Nor is the bill accompanied by any scientific evidence, says Curăraru. “The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy have different interests in this case. The Ministry of Finance wants to increase excise taxes and raise more revenues for the state budget, while the Ministry of Economy should seek a better regulation for the entrepreneurial activity,” the author noted.

Andrei Curăraru also says that several errors have been identified in the text, including English words. The authors also argue that the proposed deadline of January 1, 2020 for the implementation of the law is two short. At least two years are required for the adjustments.

The study has been sent to Parliament, the Government, relevant agencies and business associations. According to Andrei Curăraru, the study seeks to ensure transparency regarding the adoption of this bill, the presentation of all expertise in accordance with national legislation, as well as respect for the rights of smokers. “We hope that the promoters of the bill will also consider the technical changes we propose, because many of the provisions in this law run counter to legislative drafting rules,” the author says.

On July 19, Parliament approved in first reading amendments of the Tobacco Control Law, the Contravention Code and the Tax Code, seeking to impose the same regulations on heat-not-burn products and on conventional cigarettes.