PASAY CITY, Philippines — Consumer groups, industry representatives and medical experts called for a risk-based approach to taxation and regulation of smoke-free nicotine products at a summit in Pasay City.
The call was made during the 2nd National Summit on Nicotine and Harm Reduction held on Oct. 1, as the government considers proposals involving vaping and heated tobacco products, including possible changes in taxation.
“What we are asking is for policies to be based on evidence and the level of risk,” said Ka Anton Israel of the Nicotine Consumers Union of the Philippines.
Participants argued that taxes on smoke-free alternatives should not automatically be set at the same level as those on combustible cigarettes, citing differences in the products and their associated risks.
The summit also called for stronger enforcement against illicit trade and youth access while maintaining distinctions between combustible cigarettes and smoke-free nicotine products.