Impact of an e-cigarette tax on cigarette and e-cigarette use in a middle-income country: a study from Indonesia using a pre-post design

Indonesia introduced a significant tax on e-cigarette liquids in 2018, aiming to regulate the emerging market. This policy exceeds the tax rate applied to traditional cigarettes, raising questions about its broader impact on tobacco use behaviors.

This explainer reviews the potential effects of such taxation on dual users and overall tobacco consumption, emphasizing the importance of understanding economic and health outcomes in middle-income countries.

Taxation is a key tool in tobacco control, but its impacts can vary depending on economic and social factors. Examining Indonesia's policy helps inform better strategies to reduce tobacco-related harm worldwide.

Effective policies require understanding how taxes influence consumer choices, especially in middle-income countries where tobacco use remains a significant public health challenge.

Understanding the effects of e-cigarette taxation on smoking behaviors is vital for designing policies that effectively reduce tobacco use and protect public health.

This research highlights the need for comprehensive approaches that consider both traditional and emerging tobacco products in tobacco control efforts.

The findings from Indonesia's e-liquid tax policy can guide policymakers in designing balanced taxation strategies that discourage tobacco use without unintended consequences.

Implementing evidence-based taxes can enhance the effectiveness of tobacco control measures and improve health outcomes.