Chile: Changes in Tobacco Laws

Source from:  I Love Chile (cl)  05/06/2014

The legal text seeks to prohibit smoking in cars while there are children in them, and to force tobacco companies to answer to health issues due to the consumption of tobacco.

The smoking ban initially came into effect in March, 2013, however regarding the new legislation, members of the health committee have named it as inadequate, particularly when taking in consideration the sale of cigarettes as well as the need to protect children from the danger of becoming future passive smokers.

The purpose of the law is to discourage the consumption of tobacco and thus encourage healthier lifestyles among chileans. Also, one of the big issues that it will be addressing is the tax on tobacco. Currently, the standard rule explains how the tax rate differs depending on the type of the products. Cigars are taxed at 51%, cigarettes at 50,4 and processed tobacco at 47,9%. Cigarettes and processed tobacco are also taxed at further 10%.

Lawmakers say it is necessary to make an extra effort to discourage further consumption. Some of the changes that the motion raises include the installation of vending machines in places where there are no children, the prohibition of tobacco exposure on shelves or elsewhere close to the public,the prohibition of the manufacture of sweets, snacks, toys, or any other children's product that resembles the shape of cigarettes or cigars.

It also asks for any package to contain the term "sale only allowed in Chile", prohibits smoking in sate protected areas, parks and children's recreation areas. In these cases there will be places specially designed for smokers. The law also  forces tobacco companies to respond in an objective and cooperative manner for any damage caused by the consumption of tobacco and prohibits smoking in any vehicle that has children in it. Enditem