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Poland proposes new alcohol and tobacco levy to fund public health
The Polish government is considering a new 0.25% levy on the annual sales value of alcohol and tobacco products. This proposed tax is intended to fund a dedicated Public Health Fund, which would operate independently of the national budget and the National Health Fund. The initiative aims to link the costs of public health and social security to entities that profit from the sale of these products.
Estimates suggest the combined annual sales of the alcohol and tobacco markets in Poland is approximately 90 billion PLN, which could generate roughly 225 million PLN annually for the new fund. However, the proposal has met with opposition from the Ministry of Development and Technology. Officials argue that these products are already subject to excise taxes and that a new levy could constitute excessive interference in business operations and create additional documentation burdens for companies.
Furthermore, experts have expressed concerns that increasing the tax burden on these sectors might inadvertently drive consumers toward the gray market. This risk is highlighted by data showing that the tobacco gray market reached 9.7% in the first quarter of 2026.
Entities
Andrzej Domański · Donald Tusk · Michał Baranowski · Ministry of Development and Technology · Ministry of Finance · Ministry of Health · NSZZ Solidarność · National Bank of Poland · NielsenIQ · Poland · Public Health Fund
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Ministry of Development and Technology opposes the new levy, noting these products are already subject to excise tax. www.dlahandlu.pl · biznes.interia.pl · www.portalspozywczy.pl
- [● 3 SOURCES] The proposed 0.25% levy could generate an estimated 225 million PLN annually. www.dlahandlu.pl · biznes.interia.pl
- [● 3 SOURCES] Experts warn that additional tax burdens on alcohol and tobacco could drive consumers toward the gray market. www.dlahandlu.pl · biznes.interia.pl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Ministry of Finance is proposing to lower the revenue limit for lump-sum tax (ryczałt) from 2 million EUR to 250,000 EUR.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Ministry of Health is working on new ways to finance public health activities. www.dlahandlu.pl · biznes.interia.pl · www.portalspozywczy.pl
- [● 4 SOURCES] A proposed 0.25% levy on the annual sales value of alcohol and tobacco would fund a new Public Health Fund. www.dlahandlu.pl · biznes.interia.pl · www.portalspozywczy.pl
- [● 3 SOURCES] The combined annual sales value of the alcohol and tobacco markets in Poland is approximately 90 billion PLN. www.dlahandlu.pl · biznes.interia.pl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A new 17% tax rate would be applied to revenue exceeding 300,000 EUR within the same tax year.