Cigarette Prices in Croatia to Rise as Excise Duties Increase in 2026

The Croatian government has adopted a new regulation increasing excise duties on tobacco products, which will come into force on 1 January 2026.

Presenting the measure on Tuesday, Marko Primorac, Croatia’s Minister of Finance, said the changes represent a regular adjustment of excise duties in line with national and EU tax policy.

Under the new regulation, the specific excise duty on cigarettes will rise to €59.10 per 1,000 cigarettes, while the ad valorem (proportional) excise duty will be set at 34 percent of the retail price. In addition, the minimum excise duty on cigarettes will increase to €130.60 per 1,000 cigarettes.

Excise duties will also rise for other tobacco products. The tax on fine-cut tobacco for rolling cigarettes will increase to €126.90 per kilogram, while the same rate will apply to other smoking tobacco. Excise duties on cigars and cigarillos will also be set at €126.90 per 1,000 pieces.

According to Minister Primorac, the price impact for consumers should be limited. “The price of cigarettes should increase by up to 20 cents per pack, and no more than that,” he said. “This is a routine excise duty increase, and Croatia remains among EU member states with a relatively moderate tax burden on tobacco products.”

The government has previously stated that excise duty increases serve both fiscal and public health objectives, while also gradually aligning Croatia’s taxation levels with broader European Union standards.

The new excise rates will apply to all relevant tobacco products placed on the Croatian market from the start of 2026.