Landscape Study - Serbia
Valentina Vukmirović, Olivera Jovanović and Jovan Zubović
Institute of Economic Sciences, November 2024
This report provides a detailed analysis of the tobacco market in Serbia and updates the findings of the groundbreaking 2018 study by the Institute of Economic Sciences. To address the public health and economic impacts of tobacco use, the report recommends:
- Strengthening Enforcement: Bolster enforcement of existing tobacco control laws, particularly sales restrictions to minors and public smoking bans.
- Excise Tax Reform: Accelerate excise increases to meet EU standards and ensure that tax rates keep pace with rising incomes.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch targeted campaigns to educate the public about the harms of tobacco, including alternative products.
- Youth Protection Measures: Intensify efforts to prevent youth access to all forms of tobacco and nicotine products.
- Illicit Trade Reduction: Enhance border controls, increase penalties for illicit trade, and leverage technology for better market monitoring.