Decree 645, which at the beginning of this year reduced the special consumption tax (ICE) from 300% to 30% on firearms, from 150% to 50% on electronic cigarettes and other tobacco and nicotine devices, as well as alcoholic beverages, plastic wrappers, cigarettes and sugary drinks, is once again attracting interest, but now from organizations calling for its abolition.

It is about the collective Todos por la Vida, which consists of various social and professional organizations of civil society, and which filed a protective lawsuit against the issuance of the decree, because, according to the group, it endangers the health and life of Ecuadorians. it is stated in the press release.

The tax reduction will take effect from February 1, 2023

These ICE rates are regulated by Article 82 of the Law on the Internal Tax Regime.

According to the organization, cutting ICE causes fiscal damage to the Ecuadorian state, as funds can be directed to health, education and national security.

In addition, they call on the state to respect international agreements for the protection of health, ensuring that the reduction of this tax on harmful products also affects the health of the population, the environment and the safety of citizens. “More than 70% of deaths in Ecuador are caused by cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases due to the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks,” the group claims.

Eliana Estrella, spokeswoman for the group of organizations, confirmed that they want to stop the execution of the decree that has been in force for five months. “They want to stop and think about it… If they collected taxes on these harmful products, the state would have more revenue, besides, what little is collected is not given to health,” complained Estrella, who also indicated that he would population to be in a healthier environment.

Meanwhile, the group also cited 2020 data from the Institute for Clinical and Healthcare Excellence (IECS) showing that 19 people die in the country every day as a result of smoking. And childhood overweight and obesity have increased in recent decades.

Carrying weapons in Ecuador: The Ministry of Health will confirm the psychological test and toxicological examination, they will not issue certificates

Overweight in children under five doubled from 1986 (4.2%, DANS survey) to 2012 (8.5%, National Health and Nutrition Survey – Ensanut). And overweight and obesity continue to accumulate with age, reaching 35.4% in boys and girls between the ages of five and eleven and more than 60% in the adult population (Ensanut 2018 and STEPS 2018).

The foundation requests that the state adhere to sound tax initiatives that are in place in other countries.