Tobacco Taxation and Control: Lesson from the Kingdom of Tonga Washington 2017

Objective Revenue base of our economy is heavily dependent on taxation. Health related indicators were lowered, life expectancy increase incidence of NCDs and reverse life expectancy Indicators indicates that there is a constant increase in the incidence of NCD, govt revised and implemented new policies to address NCD. And that includes the amending of the Tobacco Control Act in 2014 aiming at those who are smoking in public meeting places. According to our head customs, tobacco is the second largest source of revenue after fuel

Excise Tax Rate structure (Us cents)

Total Revenue Collected Tobacco Tax ($million/ estimated at USD) This is how the revenue from tobacco tax looks like in the last five years. You can tell from how small the numbers is and how important to our fiscal stability in terms of revenue. We do have 9 months

Tobacco Prices Brand Prices US Manufactured Winfield 9 4.5 import Pal Mal 6 3 Port Royal 14 7 Benson & Hedges 8.5 4.25 Long Beach Marlboro 8 4 Palataisi 5.8 2.9 local Halo 5 2.5 Alibaba Tapaka Tonga 20 10

Suppliers of tobacco Two main suppliers formal Shadow supplier of ‘Tapaka Tonga’. Tapaka Tonga has been provided an emergency exit for smokers.

Control Tobacco Control Act in 2014 Introducing prohibition of smoking in public places. Prohibit sales of tobacco to under 18 years of age. Only sell in pack

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