The Tobacco Prevention Working Group in Switzerland was not surprised. Over the last few years, Switzerland has steadily slipped down the rankings. Compared to 2019, it has lost another place and is only ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Just nine years ago, Switzerland was ranked 18th out of 37 countries. The working group writes critically that Switzerland remains a favorite of international tobacco companies. Switzerland gets very bad marks when it comes to restrictions on tobacco advertising.
If Parliament follows the Federal Council in the implementation of the popular initiative, Switzerland will be able to raise its rating three to four places. Tobacco taxes are very low in Switzerland, the working group continues.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a tax share of 75 percent, this rate is around 60 percent in Germany. Parliament will soon consider a partial revision of the tobacco tax law. E-cigarettes will also now be taxed due to youth protection.
(SDA)