Ministry of Health Draft Proposes Surcharges on Cigarettes and Sugary Products

A new 25-article draft regulation prepared within the Ministry of Health envisions collecting surcharges on cigarettes, sugary beverages, and certain snacks. Scheduled to be submitted to Parliament in October or November, the regulation aims to establish a new financing model for the newly formed Healthy Life Contribution Fund.

Surcharge Rates in the New Draft

Within the scope of the 25-article draft prepared by the Ministry of Health, it is projected to collect 20 TL per pack of packaged tobacco products. For unpackaged tobacco sold by weight, the surcharge is planned to be 100 TL per kilogram.

Sugary Beverages and Snacks Included

The planned surcharge is not limited to tobacco products; it also covers sugary beverages and certain snacks. The draft envisions collecting a surcharge of up to 5 TL per 100 milliliters for sugary beverages and 20 percent of the retail price for snacks.

Areas of Use for the Healthy Life Contribution Fund

Among the primary uses of the revenue to be collected in the fund are school nutrition programs and the fight against childhood obesity. Dental health studies, sports investments, and healthy life projects are also planned to be supported from this resource.

Parliamentary Process and Implementation Status

The draft prepared within the Ministry of Health is targeted to be submitted to Parliament in October or November. The practice of collecting 20 TL from cigarette packs has not started yet, and these amounts are currently in the draft stage.