The Canary Islands Government will maintain and increase the fiscal levy on electronic cigarettes and vaping products in the 2025 budget, as announced by the region’s Finance Minister, Matilde Asián, during a parliamentary committee session.
This decision follows the pioneering 2024 budget, where the Canary Islands became the first region in Spain to impose a tax of €0.10 per millilitre on e-liquids, regardless of nicotine content. Asián emphasised that this shows the government's commitment to the public’s health, hoping there will soon be a mandate for such taxation across Europe.
Melodie Mendoza of the ASG (Gomera Socialist Party) raised concerns about e-cigarettes and vaping devices, labelling them as "deceptive gateways to tobacco use among adolescents," as they are often designed to resemble toys with sweet flavours. Mendoza said she agrees with the Ministry of Health's recent moves to equate the regulation of e-cigarettes with that of traditional tobacco products.
Mendoza acknowledged that while some vape products are nicotine-free, they still pose health risks, particularly lung-related issues. She stressed that using these products could cause habits, especially among children, and pointed out that there is a lack of solid evidence supporting e-cigarettes as effective tools for quitting smoking. Studies indicate that children who use e-cigarettes are up to three times more likely to start smoking traditional tobacco.
Mendoza argued for the potential benefits of increasing the tax on e-cigarettes, which include both a deterrent effect and additional revenue for healthcare services. She advocated for higher taxes as a means to curb usage and fund health initiatives.
This move aligns with the Canary Islands' broader public health strategy, aiming to reduce tobacco-related harm and prevent smoking among young people. The government's fiscal policy highlights its commitment to mitigating health risks associated with vaping and tobacco use, and hope that this initiative sets a precedent for other regions of Spain to follow.
