Myths and Facts on Tobacco Taxation: A Resource for More Effective Use of Taxation to Protect Health from the Harm of Tobacco Products in Oman

Tobacco products cause over eight million deaths annually, accounting for 13% of global deaths. The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control provides a framework to reduce tobacco product burden, including the MPOWER demand reduction measure. Tobacco taxation is a population-based intervention tool in public health that discourages tobacco consumption by increasing prices and reducing smoking rates. In 2023, Oman's customs duty on tobacco taxation increased to 100%, accounting for 66% to 69% of the overall retail price. However, this is still lower than the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control recommendation of having total taxes at least 75% of the total retail price. Additionally, duty-free areas may undermine the impact of tobacco taxation and create opportunities for illicit trade. The tobacco industry opposes tobacco tax regulations by strategies such as smuggling, legal challenges, anti-poor rhetoric, revenue reduction, and employment impact, which are usually accepted without debate from officials. This perspective review examined various myths about tobacco taxation and how to dispel them using the best available evidence.