One visual breakdown shows that in countries like Ireland, France and the Netherlands, the tax portion of a 20-cigarette pack reaches as high as 90 % of its retail price.

Why this matters

According to the Commission’s guidance , EU Member States must apply a minimum excise duty on cigarettes equivalent to €90 per 1,000 cigarettes and at least 60 % of the weighted average retail selling price of cigarettes in that country.

In practice, most countries go beyond this baseline. A recent overview by the Tax Foundation notes that the tax share of the retail price in many states exceeds 80 %.

For example, according to data compiled via the “Taxes as a Share of Cigarette Price” dataset, many EU countries show tax shares of over 80 %.

Key take-aways

The EU is considering a revision of the Tobacco Tax Directive to raise the minimum excise duty (to €215 per 1,000 cigarettes) and increase the share of tax for new nicotine products like heated tobacco and e-liquids.

There are concerns that overly high taxes may drive illicit cigarette markets, something noted in several EU states.

From a public-health standpoint, higher taxes are one of the tools used to curb smoking, especially in younger or lower-income populations where price sensitivity is stronger.

The warehouse was rented by Lim Zhi Wei, who told police in 2022 that electronics had been stolen. Investigators later uncovered that the unit had been storing large quantities of vapes imported from Malaysia. Lim admitted to packing, delivering, and selling the products locally and was eventually fined $8,500. 

The probe into the burglary led to Chua’s name surfacing. Authorities allege he directed others to rent storage units, coordinated shipments across the border, and oversaw distribution in Singapore.

Chua was arrested during an islandwide operation on October 10, 2024, carried out jointly by the Singapore Police Force and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). He has since been held in remand for nearly a year while facing a series of charges, including cheating and attempting to obstruct the course of justice .

The police and HSA issued a joint statement describing him as a “key syndicate figure” in the illegal trade .

An inter-agency discussion will be held to finalise the implementation plan, which will then be submitted to the Cabinet for approval.

“The outcome of these deliberations and the proposed implementation plan will be presented to the Cabinet for policy approval, which will form the basis for the full ban on vapes in Malaysia,” Dzulkefly said.

Currently, Malaysia only prohibits the online sale of vapes. But users easily bypass the restriction by searching for specific brand names rather than generic terms such as “vape” on e-commerce platforms and search engines.

The announcement comes less than a year after Malaysia introduced Act 852 — the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 — which banned the sale of tobacco and vape products to minors and regulated advertising, packaging, labelling, point-of-sale displays and online sales.

However, the act also formally recognised the vape industry, which Dzulkefly said complicates the legal path to an outright ban.

“This has created a ‘legitimate expectation’ under the law , meaning that if we now impose a sudden ban after establishing Act 852, we must be ready to face possible legal challenges,” he said. 

Some Malaysian states have already acted independently. Perlis, Terengganu, Kedah and Pahang have moved to ban vape sales, while Johor and Kelantan have enforced similar bans since 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Another complication of a sweeping ban would be its economic impact on the burgeoning vape sales industry. In 2023, the market value of this industry reached RM3.48 billion (S$1.05 billion) in 2023 from RM2.27 billion in 2019, according to the Malaysia Vape Chamber of Commerce.

A 2023 Global Adult Tobacco Survey estimated that 1.4 million Malaysian adults — out of a population of 34.2 million — use vapes.

If implemented, the ban would place Malaysia alongside regional neighbours such as Brunei, Thailand and Singapore, which already prohibit vaping — in Singapore’s case under some of the strictest enforcement measures in the region.

Government spokesman Jirayu Huangsub said the prime minister made the decision after concerns that passengers were smoking in unauthorised areas due to the lack of proper facilities.

He added that the change would help airports manage crowds more effectively and reduce health risks for non-smokers through better ventilation systems.

Thailand had previously removed smoking rooms from its major airports as part of efforts to enforce anti-smoking laws.

But officials say the absence of designated spaces has led to unintended problems, with some travellers lighting up in open areas, near restrooms or even outside terminal entrances.

This has increased clean-up costs and caused discomfort to other passengers.

Earlier this year, a smoking room was reinstated at Suvarnabhumi Airport’s new terminal, Satellite 1.

The Airports of Thailand (AoT) has proposed similar rooms at five other international airports, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai and Chiang Rai, but the Ministry of Public Health is still reviewing the plan.

While Thailand remains committed to reducing tobacco use, the government says designated smoking areas at airports reflect a more practical approach to managing public spaces used by travellers from all over the world .

By creating proper smoking zones, officials hope to align with practices seen in other global airports and ease pressure on staff, while also protecting the rights of non-smokers.

Here's some of what they said.

You can share your opinions on our Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , or X posts.

Bangkok, Thailand

Ayush: “No, I love smoking weed. Never ban smoking. Cigarettes? If that's your thing... I don't like how they smell, but don't ban smoking.”

Ethan: "No."

Grace: "Everyone has their own outlet. We all have our vices and our virtues. It's a personal thing. I don't think it should be banned, but I think those who indulge in it should know their limits."

Mahmoud: "Yes. It's incredibly unhealthy. It's bad for the environment. It should be banned anywhere and everywhere."

Aiden: "Like any vice, I'm not sure I would completely advocate a ban. An immediate ban would put it underground. I think it would cause a lot more harm. Perhaps there need to be more measures in place to ensure that we discourage people from becoming more addicted to it."

Azman: "Targeting smoking solely will not solve the problem. To eradicate it, you would have to eradicate any other alternative."

Aiya: "It should be more controlled. There should be some designated smoking areas and not people just smoking on the street. But you shouldn't ban smoking."

Yuta: "No. I'm supportive of smoking. Smoking should be allowed everywhere, except for where there are younger kids or older people."

Fam: "Moderation is everything. I mean, I smoke, so… [laughs]."

Kim: "Hell no. But it shouldn’t be allowed everywhere."

Larry: "No."

Accra, Ghana

Nancy: "Smoking should be banned. It's destroying our lungs and causing so much harm."

Shadrach: "No, people smoke for reasons. I think it should be regulated rather than banned."

Joyceline: "Smoking should be banned because it affects our health and the environment in general."

Ernest: "Of course, it should be banned. It has to be banned in Ghana because people act really weird when they smoke. It affects the economy, too, so it should be banned."

Felix: "Absolutely, it should be banned. It causes so many dangers to human life."

Ansah: "Smoking should be banned right now."

Evans: "Obviously, yes. It also contributes to climate change. It has its own side effects on society, especially when it comes to lung cancer, environmental pollution, and other issues."

Godwin: "It should be banned for people under certain conditions. It should be banned for some people, and for others, it should be used."

Ruth: "It should be left to the individual, but you shouldn't do it in public. You don’t know the health state of the person you're standing by."

Samuel: "Outright. I support that smoking should be banned. I don't see why people smoke, honestly. Especially in this weather. Why would one smoke? Companies producing these cigarettes should be penalized. Put heavy taxes on them and collapse them."

Ebenezer: "Smoking is bad. It has a long-term effect on our bodies. I think banning smoking is just one step in regulating it. More education needs to be done to help us understand why people even smoke in the first place."

John: "Of course, it must be banned."

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Erleyvaldo: "Probably not. People are free to choose what they want."

Eduardo: "It should. I’m a smoker, but it should. Unfortunately, quitting smoking is difficult. It's not easy at all."

Tarcio: "No, I think so many things should be banned and are not. Smoking is a personal choice. Everyone knows the harm they’re willing to accept."

Victoria: "No, but I don’t think it should be encouraged."

Filipe: "Smoking should be banned for people who smoke in public, surrounded by children... But I don’t have anything against people who smoke. If you want to smoke, smoke at home."

Maria Clara: "No. I think that people can have the freedom to choose. They know the risks, they can choose what they want."

Silvia: "The important thing is to make it clear what benefits and harms something can bring. Then, everyone is free to make their own choice."

Artur: "Everyone has to be responsible for their own well-being and health. If someone wants to smoke, they smoke, but they’ll have to take responsibility for the consequences and effects."

Mayara: "In public, yes."

Anderson: "It should. All drugs should be banned. Smoking, drinking, alcohol… everything."

Maria: "It should be. It’s already prohibited in some places, but it should be prohibited everywhere."

Tokyo, Japan

Interviewee 1: "If we think about the climate, yes, but if people want to smoke, I think it's OK."

Interviewee 2: "Generally, yes."

Interviewee 3: "Well, it depends. I'm not going to elaborate."

Interviewee 4: "We need to look at solutions that involve cutting off smoking for certain age groups, trying to avoid getting future generations addicted. When you're dealing with people who are currently addicted to nicotine, it gets a bit more complicated."

Interviewee 5: “I certainly would say that if smoking should be banned, then so should drinking. Drinking probably has larger negative impacts on society as a whole, not necessarily on individual health, but on society. But in the same way, I also think that people probably should be allowed to decide if they're going to give themselves lung cancer or not."

Interviewee 6: "People have the right to choose what they put in their bodies. Educate the masses as much as possible on the dangers of it, but at the same time, taking it away completely shouldn't be allowed."

Interviewee 7: "Smoking is obviously a very big health risk, but I don't know about a ban. I think it's probably good to be highly regulated though."

Interviewee 8: "Yes."

Interviewee 9: "No."

Interviewee 10: "Realistically, probably, but like… Nah."

A Global South World video series

This video is part of a Global South World’s series exploring global opinions on pressing issues.

You can share your thoughts on our Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , or X posts.

In previous videos, we asked:

Is the US a friendly power?

Are you scared of AI?

Is capitalism working?

Stay tuned for more perspectives.

Former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador initiated the proposal, emphasising the need to protect the youth from the dangers of smoking alternatives.

This new reform, which passed with 410 votes in favour and 24 against, also targets the production, distribution, and sale of toxic substances and chemical precursors, as well as the illicit use of fentanyl and other unauthorised synthetic drugs.

Though e-cigarettes are currently available despite previous bans, this amendment aims to solidify restrictions against both vaping and synthetic drugs, which pose significant health risks.

While less than 1 million people in Mexico between the ages of 12 and 65 reported using e-cigarettes regularly in 2022, the prevalence of vaping among teens and adults remains significant, with around 500,000 teenagers and 300,000 adults reportedly using the devices.

"We value girls', boys', and young people's right to good health above economic and political interests," said Mary Carmen Bernal, a lawmaker from the ruling Workers' Party.

However, some opposition members, including legislator Ector Jaime Ramírez, criticised the reform for grouping fentanyl and vaping together, calling it an excessive approach that risks trivialising the fight against more dangerous substances.

The general sentiment among lawmakers calls for prioritising health over economic considerations, moving forward to Senate discussions with a strong majority in the ruling party.

The economic toll from tobacco use is staggering, amounting to nearly 1.5% of Vietnam’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, which was estimated at $433.3 billion by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The financial damage caused by tobacco far surpasses the revenue generated from tobacco taxes.

A study conducted by K Hospital, a leading cancer treatment centre in Hanoi, revealed that 97% of lung cancer patients in the country are tobacco users. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that around 104,300 tobacco-related deaths occur annually in Vietnam, with 19,000 of those attributed to secondhand smoke.

Huong also expressed concern over the rising smoking rates among women. In the past eight years, the smoking rate among women aged 15 and older has increased from 1.1% to 1.5%, despite a drop in male smokers from 45.3% to 38.9%. E-cigarette use among female students is also growing, which Huong warned could lead to tobacco use later in life.

"Teenagers who start using e-cigarettes at age 14 are more likely to smoke tobacco by age 17," she said. E-cigarette usage among students aged 13-15 jumped from 3.5% to 8% between 2022 and 2023. Similarly, adult e-cigarette use has risen from 0.2% in 2015 to 3.6% in 2020.

"The progress Vietnam has made in reducing cigarette use over the past decade is at risk of being undone by the growing popularity of e-cigarettes among young people," Huong noted.

To address this, Huong called for increased tobacco taxes and the creation of more non-smoking spaces. Currently, Vietnam taxes tobacco at 38.8% of the sale price, significantly lower than the 70% recommended by the WHO. Huong highlighted that this low tax rate makes tobacco easily accessible, particularly to young people and those with lower incomes.

The Ministry of Health is also urging the government and the National Assembly to consider a nationwide ban on the production, sale, and use of e-cigarettes, as reported by VN Express .

The previous year saw a notable increase in e-vaporiser-related offences, with 7,838 people cited for illegal possession or use, up from 4,916 in 2022.

Authorities added that the latest figures include approximately 690 students referred to the HSA by educational institutions and 19 individuals apprehended at key transit points, including Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, Changi Airport, Singapore Cruise Centre, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.

The enforcement effort is part of a broader multi-agency initiative involving the Health Promotion Board, Ministry of Education, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, National Environment Agency, and National Parks Board.

Currently, about 30% of this represents males aged 15 and beyond. This number signifies alarming trends in smoking in our societies.

Smoking rates among men differ dramatically worldwide, with Indonesia having the highest prevalence at a remarkable 71.4%. Myanmar follows closely, with an alarming 68.5% of men smoking, according to Our World in Data. These figures highlight a significant public health concern in these regions.

Several other countries have notably high smoking rates, including Bangladesh with 52.2% and China with 49.4% of men engaging in this harmful habit.

Egypt and Malaysia are also struggling with substantial smoking prevalence, with 48.1% of Egyptian men and 43.8% of Malaysian men engaging in tobacco use.

Additionally, Turkey and Sri Lanka suffer from 42.1% and 41.4% of the countries' men smoking respectively.

India and Thailand cap it off with 41.3% of men smoking in these countries.

This data depicts the dire need for global intervention in tobacco use. According to WHO , The tobacco industry strategically focuses on the younger demographic to secure long-term profitability, fostering a long-lasting trend of dependency. Notably, e-cigarette usage among children surpasses that of adults across various regions. It is estimated that globally, around 37 million adolescents between the ages of 13 and 15 are tobacco users.

Students at the school produced lipstick from Ya Dok Khao grass (Leptochloa chinensis, commonly known as red sprangletop). The grass is usually consumed as a tea by smokers in many parts of Thailand to reduce cravings.

Deputy Director supervising the project, Sirphob Jaroensakul said extracts from the grass were added to a colourless lip balm which can be applied frequently by smoking addicts. It changes the taste of cigarettes and therefore reduces the urge for it.

According to Jaroensakul, the increasing use of tobacco products especially by teenagers in the country accounted for the innovation.

“What inspired us to make this lipstick is the continued increase in the number of new smokers, especially among teenagers and college students. Smoking is the second biggest killer in Thailand, with more than 40,000 deaths per year, and is responsible for at least 12,000 new lung cancer patients per year,” he was quoted as saying.

62% of the users who tested the product between four to six weeks saw a significant reduction in the urge for smoking. According to local media platform Nation Thailand , 69% said their lips felt slightly numb, which significantly reduced their cravings.

The Ya Dok Khao lipstick has been recognised through an award of excellence from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and Social Innovation for Creative Society.

Jaroensakul said the team is preparing to file a patent for and is looking into ways of improving the product’s colour and fragrance to attract a wider group of users.

World No Tobacco Day is observed on May 31 every year as part of the World Health Organisation’s campaign to fight against the use of tobacco.

72 percent of these deaths are premature and occur among persons under 70 years.

Tobacco-attributable economic losses are about 22 times larger than the collected government revenue.  

In 2020, tobacco use in Mongolia caused economic loss equivalent to 2.1 percent of Mongolia’s gross domestic product (GDP). These losses occurred in direct health-care expenditures to treat tobacco-related illness, tobacco-attributable mortality valued at MNT 496 billion (146,923,632), and MNT 219 billion (64,871,523 ) in reduced workplace productivity from absenteeism and presenteeism.

According to the World Health Organisation, investing in  tobacco control measures will prevent more than 19,200 deaths and avert MNT 2.4 trillion in economic losses by 2037.

Ahead of this year’s World No Tobacco Day happening on May 31, the World Health Organization has called on the governments of member countries to tighten tobacco control and take measures to protect future generations from the deception of tobacco and tobacco manufacturers,  according to the National Center for Public Health. 

"If I’m going to be on social media, it’s to spread a positive message," he told GSW.

From Monday to Saturday, he sets his alarm for 4 am to clean up the rubbish that citizens throw on the streets of Colombia’s capital. On his social media platforms, Molina showcases the waste he finds to raise awareness about litter pollution and its environmental impact.

“I clean streets and hearts”, he says on his Instagram profile , where he has more than 150K followers.

While plastic bags and bottles are some of the most visible items in his videos, the most common type of litter in the capital, according to the environmentalist, is something smaller, which often goes unnoticed.

"In Bogotá, four million cigarette butts are thrown away every year," he explained.

Cigarette butts are not only an issue in the South American country. They are also the most abundant litter item found in the environment globally.

It’s estimated that 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are disposed of annually worldwide, representing around 845,000 tonnes of waste .

The Colombian influencer explained that these filters often end up in rivers and the ocean. Each cigarette butt can pollute up to 50 litres of fresh water and 10 litres of salt water.

"Many birds and fish eat them, thinking they are food," he added.

And while filters may appear to be made of cotton, 98% are made of plastic fibres and can take up to 15 years to photodegrade . They also filter out toxic chemicals, such as arsenic and lead.

"Talking about this problem is important so that people don't forget to dispose of their cigarette butts properly," Molina said.

"It's a call to raise awareness and protect our planet."

The President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, announced on Monday, December 11, that he will carry out an initiative to reform and eliminate many autonomous agencies before he leaves office in 2024. Among the organisations is the National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information, and Protection of Personal Data (INAI). According to López Obrador, these agencies are "costly" and "useless."

An anti-vape bill

The Mexican President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, also stated his intention to propose a law banning e-cigarettes and vapes, following the Supreme Court's reversal of his earlier attempt to prohibit their sale. Mexico has enacted one of the world's most stringent anti-tobacco laws, passing a bill in January for a total ban on smoking in public spaces, which includes streets.

The president of the Electoral Tribunal resigns

The president of the Electoral Tribunal of the Judicial Branch of the Federation (TEPJF), a body that specialises in electoral matters, has announced his resignation through a letter on social media. His decision follows a call for resignation from several magistrates due to alleged irregularities.

Truck runs over pilgrims

At least three people have died, and another 12 have been injured after being struck by a truck on the Mexico-Puebla highway on Monday, December 11. The victims were participants in a pilgrimage that visited the Basilica of Guadalupe, which commemorates the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12. The driver, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, attempted to flee but was later apprehended.

Intense rainfall in Chiapas

Heavy rains in Chiapas have damaged 177 homes, with reports from the State Civil Protection System indicating landslides, overflowing tributaries, and the rescue of three individuals. Authorities have stated that, as of now, there are no reported injuries or human casualties, according to El Universal .