In the press center of the ministry, it was reported that representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the Ministry of Finance, the State Tax Service, the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as business associations in the country, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF are participating in the discussion.
The Ministry of Health proposes to review the current excise system on sugar-containing beverages and certain products with high salt content.
Currently, a uniform excise tax of 3 soms per liter is set in Kyrgyzstan for all sweet beverages, regardless of their actual sugar content. The new initiative suggests introducing a differentiated system, where the rate will depend on the sugar level in the beverages.
The following excise scale is proposed:
- up to 5 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters — 5 soms per liter;
- from 5 to 8 grams — 7 soms per liter;
- from 8 to 11 grams — 9 soms per liter;
- more than 11 grams — 11 soms per liter.
This approach, according to specialists, should encourage producers to reduce the sugar content in beverages and promote the formation of healthier habits among consumers.
Additionally, it is proposed to establish a fixed excise tax on energy drinks at 20 soms per liter, considering their high sugar and caffeine content, as well as their negative impact on the health of adolescents.
Similar measures are proposed for products with high salt content, such as snacks, chips, and crackers.
This initiative is part of a long-term state strategy to improve public health and reduce the level of non-communicable diseases, as reported by the Ministry of Health.
According to the ministry, approximately 9% of children in Kyrgyzstan suffer from overweight, 75% of toddlers consume unhealthy food, 78% regularly drink sweet beverages, and 16% do not receive enough vegetables and fruits daily.
