The tax aimed at sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods came into force this Wednesday, November 1 in Colombia —with the aim of improving public health— with increases in the prices of foods such as chocolates, pastry products and soft drinks.
On October 25, the Constitutional Court declared the validity of the tax on beverages that have a high sugar content, as well as on ultra-processed foods that contain significant additions of sodium, fat or sugar.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the increase in the prices of these products will be gradual: from November 1 until the end of the year the tax on ultra-processed products will receive a 10% increase, then 15% in 2024, reaching 20% in 2025.
In the case of beverages, the tax will be adjusted from 18 pesos (US$0.004), depending on the concentration of sugar per 100 milliliters.
The products that will increase in price are consumed daily in Colombian homes, such as chocolates, sausages, pastry products, ice cream, jams; and drinks such as soft drinks, soft drinks, fruit juices or sports drinks.
Yessika Hoyos, lawyer for the José Alvear Restrepo Lawyers’ Collective (CAJAR) and spokesperson for the Dulce Veneno campaign, thanked the “unwavering” support of the “more than 5,298 people committed to the cause” and defenders of the “healthy tax.”
This case sets an “important” precedent because it establishes that the State can create taxes that, beyond fulfilling the collection function, focus on the protection of public health,” CAJAR added.
However, this tax has also raised concern in some sectors, especially in neighborhood stores, which will be affected by the increase in dozens of products, according to Jaime Alberto Cabal, president of the National Federation of Merchants (Fenalco).
“We see with great concern the entry of this measure that (…) is not good for the popular sectors nor for stores, bakeries and small businesses,” Cabal said on the Blu Radio station.
What did the president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, say?
Upon the entry into force of the norm, the president of Colombia, Gustavo Petropublished the following message on his X (Twitter) account: “This is not to collect money from you, “This is so that you can choose healthy foods and improve the health status of the Colombian people.”
It should be noted that this tax, which is already applied in 21 of the 35 Member States of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), seeks to reduce the consumption of unhealthy products and improve public health, according to this same organization.
Source: Larepublica
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