This is reported by the Izvestia newspaper with reference to the deputy head of the macroeconomic research department of the center, Victoria Pavlyushin.
The publication notes that the labeling of tobacco products has become mandatory since March 1, 2019, manufacturers must place a Data Matrix digital code on each pack. Pavlyushina said that the business, in order to meet the new requirements, supplied new equipment to the factories. Thus, the costs of the project at the end of 2019 will affect the final price of cigarettes.
“In our opinion, it is labeling that most significantly affects price increases. This measure is designed to reduce the share of counterfeit goods on the market, but so far the proportion of illegal tobacco products is growing, ”she said.
The expert believes that the cost of cigarettes will increase in connection with companies' investments in production processes that are associated with increased requirements for product quality and its certification.
The newspaper also adds that since the beginning of 2020, excise taxes for cigarettes have increased by 4%, amounting to 1966 rubles per 1,000 units, plus 14.5% of the estimated cost.
Earlier, a member of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection Nikolai Govorin in an interview with the FAN spoke about the dangers of electronic cigarettes.