Moldova advances stricter tobacco packaging rules alongside debate on beverage tax

The Moldovan Parliament has approved in first reading a bill introducing updated health warnings on cigarette packages and expanding reporting obligations for tobacco and electronic smoking manufacturers. The Ministry of Health draft mandates clear labels emphasizing health risks to families, children, and pregnant women.

At the same time, authorities are scrutinizing actions by tobacco major Philip Morris, which introduced nicotine pouches to the market shortly before a June 2026 legal ban, claiming sales remain permissible until mid-2027 under its legal interpretation.

In a parallel health policy debate, soft drink manufacturers are calling for the withdrawal of a proposed 1.60 lei per liter excise tax on sweetened and energy drinks set for 2027. Industry representatives warn the tax could increase retail prices by up to 34 percent, reduce sales, and trigger job cuts.

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