CAPHRA Position Paper on Risk-Proportionate Taxation of Safer Nicotine Products

The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) argues for clearer and more proportionate taxation policies for safer nicotine products in the Asia Pacific region, pointing out that policies successful in the West do not apply well to low and middle-income countries (LMICs). High taxes on safer products in the region often limit accessibility or fuel illicit markets, while prioritizing revenue over public health. CAPHRA stresses that excessive taxation, driven by external pressures like the WHO FCTC, undermines efforts for Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR), despite success stories in countries like Japan, the Philippines, and New Zealand. The paper criticizes the Philippines' stance on vaping, which contradicts its regulatory goals. CAPHRA supports risk-proportionate taxation to ensure adult access to safer alternatives and warns against policies that prioritize revenue over public health.