Sale of single cigarettes to be banned by Parliament to reduce tobacco consumption

After recommendations from the Standing Committee, the Parliament may soon ban the production and sale of single cigarettes.

Is the sale of single cigarettes getting banned?

• According to various reports, the Standing Committee of Parliament has put out some recommendations to reduce the use of tobacco products.
• This includes putting restrictions on the production and sale of single cigarettes.
• Smoking cigarettes is one of the prime reasons behind excessive tobacco consumption. Thus this step is expected to bring considerable changes.
• To reduce the consumption of tobacco, the Standing Committee has reportedly recommended restrictions on the sale of single cigarettes.

Almost three years ago, the Central Government had banned the sale and use of e-cigarettes at the recommendations of the Health Ministry.

The Standing Committee argued that the sale of single cigarettes is coming in the way of the fight against tobacco use.

Cigarette sale and GST on the sale and purchase

According to recent tax laws, the Government of India imposes a 53% GST on cigarettes, 22% GST on bidis, and over 60% GST on smokeless tobacco.


The Standing Committee pointed out that the tax on tobacco and related times remained less even after the introduction of GST. The Committee also pointed that smoking and alcohol consumption increases the chances of cancer.

As per the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), the government of India may implement a 75% GST tax on tobacco.

FAQ-

Is smoking prohibited in India?
Smoking in public places is a punishable offense in India, and a fine of Rs. 200 may be imposed for violating the law.

Is it legal to advertise tobacco products?
The Government of India has implemented strict rules against the advertisement of any tobacco product.