According to the press service, representatives from various government agencies participated in the event, including the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the Ministry of Finance, as well as business associations and international organizations such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF.
The ministry proposes to revise the existing excise system on sugar-containing beverages and certain products with high salt content.
Currently, the country has a uniform excise tax of 3 soms per liter for all sweet beverages, regardless of sugar content. The new approach involves introducing a differentiated system that will depend on the sugar content in the beverages.
The proposed excise scale is as follows:
- 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.
According to the Ministry of Health, such a system will contribute to reducing the sugar levels in beverages and fostering healthier habits among consumers.
A fixed excise tax of 20 soms per liter on energy drinks has also been proposed, considering their high sugar and caffeine content, especially in the context of adolescent health.
Similar measures are planned to be implemented for products with high salt content, such as chips and snacks.
This initiative is part of a broader state strategy to improve public health and reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases, as noted in the Ministry of Health's statement.
It is worth noting that about 9 percent of children in the country suffer from overweight, 75 percent of toddlers consume unhealthy food, 78 percent regularly consume sweet beverages, and 16 percent do not get enough vegetables and fruits daily.
