President Andrzej Duda has signed a groundbreaking tobacco excise tax law that will significantly impact Poland's 8 million smokers. The new legislation introduces substantial price increases for tobacco products starting January 2025.
Pricing Changes Through 2027
The Ministry of Finance projects a dramatic shift in cigarette prices:
- 2025: Prices will reach 20 PLN per pack (minimum)
- 2026: Further increase to 23.85 PLN
- 2027: Final rise to 26-27 PLN
Vice Minister of Finance Jarosław Neneman outlines specific tax rates under the new law. Manufacturers will pay 476.10 PLN per 1,000 cigarettes plus 32.05% of maximum retail price. Unlicensed cigarettes face an even higher rate of 789.77 PLN per 1,000 units.
- Read more: Poland Plans Massive Excise Tax Hike on Cigarettes, Packs Under 20 PLN to Become a Memory
Impact Across Tobacco Products
The legislation affects all tobacco products:
- Roll-your-own tobacco: 412.58 PLN per kilogram plus 32.05% retail price
- Cigars and cigarillos: 903.90 PLN per kilogram
- E-cigarette liquids: 1.80 PLN per milliliter
The government anticipates these increases will generate an additional 3.5 billion PLN in annual revenue.
European Context
Despite these increases, Polish cigarette prices remain among the lowest in the European Union. Current prices average 3.15 EUR per pack, significantly below Ireland's 14 EUR. Only Bulgaria maintains lower prices than Poland.
Industry experts warn about potential growth in illegal trade, which currently represents 3.6% of official sales. The Ministry of Health reports smoking-related deaths reach 60,000 annually in Poland, with one in five adults regularly using tobacco products.
