Brazil's Senate is about to vote on the e-cigarette regulation bill, which is expected to bring in more than $400 million in tax revenue each year

Brazil's Senate is about to vote on the e-cigarette regulation bill, which is expected to bring in more than $400 million in tax revenue each year

Brazil's Senate Economic Affairs Committee plans to vote on a bill to regulate e-cigarettes on August 20, despite the bill's potential to bring in 2.2 billion reais ($406 million) in tax revenues per year, but there are clear divisions among senators.

According to Sbt News on August 19, the Brazilian Senate Economic Affairs Committee (CAE) is expected to vote on a bill to regulate e-cigarettes (PL 5.008/2023) this Tuesday (20th). The meeting agenda for the bill has been scheduled to start at 10 a.m. that day.

Senators have tried to vote on this bill several times in the first half of this year, but failed to successfully advance it due to differences among lawmakers.

The bill was proposed by Senator Soraya Thronicke and was originally scheduled to be discussed on July 9. However, at the request of Senator Mecias de Jesus, the agenda was postponed to August 20 to provide more time for discussion on the topic.

On the 13th, a special meeting of the Senate debated the matter. Supporters argue that e-cigarette regulation could bring in 2.2 billion reais ($406 million) in tax revenues per year. Opponents, however, worry that the product could put additional financial pressure on the National Health System (SUS).

The rapporteur of the bill, Senator Eduardo Gomes, has already expressed support for the bill, proposing some amendments.

As of now, no formal vote has taken place.