JEDDAH: Efforts are being exerted to issue an integrated regulation to prevent the sale of cigarettes to people under 18 – in addition to studies that would increase customs tariffs on tobacco, sources told Okaz/Saudi Gazette. A number of ministries and related authorities are involved in preparing the regulation, which would include penalties including fines and the mechanism for implementing them, sources said. In the same connection, the ministries of Finance, Health and Commerce and their counterparts in GCC countries are studying the prospect of doubling customs tariffs on tobacco products and their derivatives as health and customs tariffs, according to sources. Sources confirmed that the ministries concerned are in contact with the World Trade Organization to get a legal basis to raise the tariffs and expect the results of the talks early next month.
