Moldova advances health controls and excise tax plans amid industry opposition

Moldovan authorities are advancing regulatory and public health initiatives while facing resistance from industry stakeholders. Parliament approved the first reading of a bill tightening restrictions on tobacco and electronic cigarettes, mandating enhanced health warnings and expanded producer disclosures. Meanwhile, health officials warned that Philip Morris is attempting to exploit legal loopholes to market nicotine pouches ahead of a June 2026 statutory ban.

In healthcare administration, a Ministry of Health investigation exposed critical shortcomings at the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency, including over 1,200 backlogged files and registry security flaws.

Concurrently, beverage producers urged the government to abandon a proposed 2027 excise tax of 1.60 lei per liter on sweetened and energy drinks, warning the levy could increase retail prices by up to 34 percent and trigger job losses.

Sources: Moldova1, Newsmaker, Point, Ziarul de Gardă.