Press Release: Tobacco taxation: Commission launches public consultation

The European Commission is launching an online consultation seeking views from stakeholders on the current EU tax legislation on tobacco and possible changes. EU rules on tobacco must guarantee the proper functioning of the Internal Market while at the same time be in line with the EU objective to discourage tobacco consumption. Existing rules should be modernised, be more transparent and simple. The consultation is of interest to all stakeholders, in particular, businesses involved in the manufacturing and distribution of tobacco products, health organisations, government administrations, non governmental organisations and other organisations representing consumers. The Commission will take into account those opinions and views in its legislative proposal to come at the end of the year. Comments are invited by 1 June 2007.