Sale of loose cigarettes might be banned in India

According to numerous reports, the Indian Parliament may soon outlaw the manufacture and sale of single cigarettes in order to reduce the nation’s tobacco use. This decision follows recommendations from the Standing Committee. The Standing Committee claimed that the tobacco control campaign is being harmed by the selling of loose cigarettes. The committee also suggested eliminating the public smoking area from all domestic airports.

Since the Indian government follows the standing committee of the Parliament’s recommendations, it is possible that the sale of loose cigarettes will soon be outlawed nationwide, with the tobacco product only being sold by the box.The formal date is February 1, 2023, however the ban on the sale of loose cigarettes could occur before then, most likely before the announcement of the Union Budget 2023–24 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament.

Recall that the Central Government outlawed the sale and use of e-cigarettes three years ago on the advice of the Health Ministry.The country imposes a 22% GST on bidis, a 53% GST on cigarettes, and a 64% GST on smokeless tobacco, according the most recent tax slabs. The standing committee has noted that the tax on tobacco goods has not increased significantly despite the introduction of the GST.Around 3.5 lakh people in India lose their lives to smoking each year. Smoking is already prohibited in public places in India. A fine of up to Rs 200 may be imposed for breaching the law. The government has also outlawed tobacco product advertisements.