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 The bill taxes 20% on the purchase of E-cigs and their accessories. - Photo for illustration purposes only - |
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Published on Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Deputies of Congress approved, in the first round of voting, bill No. 21,658, entitled "Law to regulate Electronic Nicotine Administration Systems," also known as electronic cigarettes. The bill taxes 20% on the purchase of E-cigs and their accessories. In addition, the law will forbid smoking with these electronic devices in public spaces, including public transportation. Before the vote, the controversial bill had deputies debating the possible impacts that this tax could have among those who use these products as an alternative to cigarette smoking. Deputy María I. Solís, from the Christian Social Unity Party, was one of the opponents. In her position, she thinks that passing the new tax will motivate people to continue smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes. According to Solís, there are studies that confirm the use of e-cigs produce less damage than the traditional tobacco cigarettes and cigars. The tax will also deter consumers from purchasing those items because of the increased cost, affecting retailers, she added. On the other hand, Congressman José M. Villalta, who voted in favor of the bill, considered that a new tax could discourage smoking e-cigarettes, which also has its health issues. The bill will be evaluated with a second round of voting in Congress within the next few days. If it is approved a second round will become a new law, after following the established procedure in Congress. According to the U.S. Center of Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, e-cigarettes put at risk the health of people. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which can contain other harmful substances, and young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future. “Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s,” the organization said in its statement. Scientists are still learning about the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes. “Some of the ingredients in e-cigarette aerosol could also be harmful to the lungs in the long-term,” the CDC said in its statement. “For example, some e-cigarette flavorings may be safe to eat but not to inhale because the gut can process more substances than the lungs.” Defective e-cigarette batteries have caused some fires and explosions, a few of which have resulted in serious injuries. Children and adults have been poisoned by swallowing, breathing, or absorbing e-cigarette liquid through their skin or eyes. Nationally, approximately 50% of calls to poison control centers for e-cigarettes are for kids 5 years of age or younger, they added. ----------------------- Are you for or against a new tax on vaping products? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com  Professional's
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