Paraguayan Chamber of Deputies postpones tobacco tax increase

The Chamber of Deputies in Paraguay has decided to postpone the discussion of a bill that proposes a 10% increase in the Selective Consumption Tax (ISC) on tobacco products for 22 days. The legislative initiative, presented by deputies Enrique Antonio Buzarquis, Arnaldo Valdez, and Adrián Billy Vaesken, aims to direct all additional funds generated by the tax hike exclusively toward financing priority needs within the public health system.

Deputy Jorge Ávalos Mariño requested the postponement to allow for a deeper analysis through a technical committee. The proposal must now undergo review by several commissions, including Economic and Financial Affairs, Legislation and Codification, Industry, Commerce, Tourism and Cooperativism, and Public Health and Budget. The intended revenue is meant to support the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, specifically targeting areas such as medicines, suppliers, and salaries.