New tobacco regulations being implemented in China

World Today

Sunday marks the World No-Tobacco Day, and places all over the globe are observing the occasion — including China. Indoor smoking and tobacco advertisements will be banned in public places in Beijing. This is part of new tobacco control regulations which come into force June 1st. Experts say China should raise the tax on cigarettes even further to reduce the use of tobacco. CCTV’s Hou Na filed this report.

Highlights:

  • China increased its wholesale tobacco excise tax from five percent to 11 percent in early May, the first increase of the tax in 6 years.
  • From 2000 to 2012, the price index for cigarettes sold in China rose by 3 percent.
  • The tobacco industry is a major source of tax revenue in China, contributing more than 900 billion yuan last year. Increase in levy is estimated to bring in extra 87.6 billion yuan in revenue for government.

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