Moroccan government has firmly rejected proposals from opposition parties to increase the internal consumption tax (TIC) on e-cigarettes and related products under the 2026 Finance Bill. Budget Minister Delegate Fouzi Lekjaa argued that raising excise duties would not reduce demand and would instead encourage smuggling. Opposition groups emphasized the growing health risks and rising popularity of vaping among young people.
Key Points
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Moroccan government rejects amendments seeking to raise TIC on e-cigarette liquids, devices and waterpipe accessories.
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Budget Minister says higher excise duties do not reduce demand and may stimulate illegal trade.
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Government notes it already raised these duties last year and warns that further increases would intensify smuggling.
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Opposition claims many e-cigarette types sold in Morocco are banned in EU countries and should be taxed more heavily.
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Lawmakers raise concerns about the rapid spread of vaping among youth and gaps in current taxation of e-cigarette components.
Government Stance on Taxation
Minister Lekjaa Warns Against Fueling Smuggling
November 13, 2025 — According to h24info reports, the Moroccan government has categorically rejected opposition proposals to increase the internal consumption tax (TIC) on e-cigarettes as part of the 2026 Finance Bill. Budget Minister Delegate Fouzi Lekjaa stated that such a measure would mainly fuel smuggling without meaningfully reducing consumer demand.
Discussion at Finance Committee Meeting
The debate took place during a meeting of the Finance and Economic Development Committee of the House of Representatives, held on Tuesday to examine amendments and vote on the first part of the 2026 Finance Bill.
Taxation Not a Guaranteed Deterrent
Lekjaa said: “In principle, we support efforts to combat these products, but taxation is not the only path.” He stressed that raising excise duties does not guarantee lower consumption, whether for traditional cigarettes or electronic ones.
Caution Against Excessive Increases
He added that taxation must remain balanced, warning that excessive increases in duties on tobacco-related products would encourage illegal trade. He recalled that duties were already raised last year and warned that going further “would open the door to trafficking.”
Opposition Arguments
Proposed Amendments Targeting E-Cigarette Liquids and Accessories
Opposition groups — including the Socialist Group and the Justice and Development Party (PJD) — submitted amendments to Article 5 of the 2026 Finance Bill, seeking to raise TIC on refill liquids for e-cigarettes, similar devices and accessories for shisha or maassel (with or without tobacco).
Calls for Higher Taxation Due to EU Bans
Lahcen Lachgar of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) argued that many types of e-cigarettes available in Morocco are banned in several EU countries. He criticized their growing availability and declining prices, which make them increasingly accessible. He said higher taxation would contribute to protecting public health.
Concerns Over Youth Vaping
PJD representative Mostafa Brahimi highlighted the health and social burden caused by all forms of tobacco, stressing the significant costs borne by Morocco’s public health and social protection systems.
He warned that vaping is spreading rapidly in Morocco, particularly in schools, universities and workplaces, and noted that some components of electronic cigarettes remain untaxed, encouraging youth consumption.
Ongoing Debate: Public Health vs. Fiscal Policy
The discussion reflects persistent tension between public health priorities and fiscal considerations. While the government emphasizes maintaining tax balance and preventing smuggling, the opposition sees taxation as a necessary tool to curb youth vaping and protect public health.
