Moldova advances tobacco controls as beverage sector opposes new excise tax

The Moldovan parliament has passed first-reading legislation to tighten tobacco regulation, requiring updated packaging health warnings and increased reporting duties for manufacturers. Drafted by the Ministry of Health, the measure emphasizes smoking risks to families and pregnant women.

Concurrently, tobacco major Philip Morris faces scrutiny after introducing nicotine pouches ahead of a June 2026 prohibition, claiming sales remain permissible until mid-2027 under its legal interpretation.

Separately, non-alcoholic beverage producers have requested the withdrawal of a proposed 2027 excise tax of 1.60 lei per liter on sweetened and energy drinks. Sector representatives warn the levy could raise retail prices by up to 34 percent, depress sales, and trigger job losses.

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