Sugar tax is not only for sweetened drinks

With the ruling coalition proposing a sugar tax on sweetened beverages, Health Minister Marija Jakubauskienė says other sweet products are also being considered for the tax.

„We are considering, discussing the introduction of a sugar tax not only on sugary drinks. We are also talking about a broader application of sugar tax on other food products“," Jakubauskienė said during the Government Hour in the Seimas on Thursday.

She said that in the European Union and Lithuania, sugar consumption, especially among children, is increasing and exceeds the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations.

The Minister said that foreign practice shows that a tax can reduce the consumption of sugary products.

„Countries that have previously introduced a sugar tax and taxed high-sugar products are observing a decrease in the consumption of such foods“, – said Ms Jakubauskienė.

Social Democrats registered a draft law on the tax on sugary drinks in mid-March, proposing to apply tariffs of 10, 25 and 30 cents per litre of beverages containing sugar or other sweeteners, depending on their content.  

The coalition partners, who are working on a number of tax reforms, are also in agreement on this tax.

The Ministry of Finance expects to raise around €25 million in revenue from the so-called sugar tax.