New Health Contribution Regulation for Tobacco and Sugary Products
A draft bill prepared by the Ministry of Health plans to transfer deductions from harmful habits and snacks to preventive health projects.
A 25-article draft bill prepared by the Ministry of Health envisions collecting a contribution fee for preventive health services from tobacco products, sugary drinks, and high-calorie snacks.
Purpose of the Bill
The 25-article draft bill prepared within the Ministry of Health is targeted to be submitted to the Presidency of the Turkish Grand National Assembly in October or November. The regulation aims to ensure the sustainability of preventive health services and healthy living policies.
Deductions on Cigarettes and Tobacco Products
According to the draft, it is designed to collect a contribution fee of 20 TL per pack from packaged tobacco products and 100 TL per kilogram from unpackaged tobacco sold by weight. Considering annual consumption in Turkey, it is calculated that approximately 110 billion liras of resources will be transferred to the fund annually.
Sugary Drinks and Snacks
In sugary drinks, it is planned to collect a contribution fee of up to 5 TL per 100 milliliters depending on the sugar content they contain. In snack products whose excessive consumption is not recommended, a deduction at the rate of 20 percent of the selling price is envisioned.
Areas Where the Resource Will Be Used
The collected resource is targeted to be transferred directly to projects aimed at protecting and improving public health. The budget will be used primarily in school nutrition programs and efforts to combat childhood obesity.
Parliamentary Calendar and Current Status
The draft is expected to be finalized following technical reviews to be conducted within the AK Party group. The regulation is planned to come to the agenda of the Parliament in the autumn period.