The move was made “In order to reduce the consumption of environmentally and health-harmful or unhealthy products, as well as to ensure additional revenue for the state budget,” according to a Saeima statement.
The amendments envisage an imminent price hike on some products and a gradual increase on others as part of medium-term budget moves.
From March 15th next year, an increase in excise duty is planned for strong alcohol, while from March 1, 2028, excise duty will increase for all alcoholic beverages, and the final price for strong alcohol (spirits) will increase by 0.51 euros. For wine it will rise from between 0.15 and 0.30 euros (dependant upon alcohol content), and for beer it will rise by 0.03 euros per bottle.
Next year and from 2027, the tax rate increase will accelerate for all tobacco products – five percent more than previously planned. Compared to this year’s prices, the price of one pack of cigarettes will increase by 2.20 euros from 2028, reaching 7.50 euros, while the increase for heated tobacco products is planned to be 0.35 euros per pack, and the price of a two-milliliter package of e-liquid will increase by 0.15 euros.
From 2028, the tax will also increase on sweetened beverages, and a separate excise tax rate will be set for energy drinks. It has also been determined that from 2028, non-alcoholic carbonated beverages prepared on-site in public catering establishments will be subject to excise duty. Previously, both still and carbonated beverages prepared for immediate consumption at the point of sale were exempt from excise duty.
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