A cup of sugar, a burden of worry!
In the cool glass of soft drink that we sip every day, there is not only sweetness but also the risk of disease. According to the Ministry of Health , the current sugar consumption in Vietnam is nearly twice as high as the recommended level of the World Health Organization (WHO). More worryingly, the rate of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in children and adults is increasing at an unprecedented rate. When WHO, UNICEF and many international organizations continuously warn that more than 100 countries have imposed taxes on sugary drinks, Vietnam cannot stand aside.
The National Assembly's passing of the amended Law on Special Consumption Tax, which puts sugary soft drinks under the taxable category from 2027 with a roadmap of 8-10%, is an important step in public health policy. The goal is not just to collect budget revenue. This is a "behavioral tax", which means taxing to guide consumption habits, gradually reducing the amount of sugar entering the body unconsciously through daily drinks. Behavior changes, diseases will decrease. Less diseases, society saves on medical costs. That is how countries like the UK, Mexico, France... have proven with specific data after many years of application.
Right policy needs good practice
However, any tax policy cannot avoid public reaction, and this policy is no exception. Many businesses are concerned that they will be affected by increased costs and reduced purchasing power. Consumers, especially low-income groups, may have to "tighten their tongues" before each can of soft drink because the price increases by 1,000 - 2,000 VND. And they have reason to worry. Because if the concept of "what is sugary water?" is not clarified, if there are no clear and transparent technical criteria in application, the policy can easily be misunderstood and implemented incorrectly.
For example, canned coconut water, fruit juice mixed with sugar, or fruit milk - should they be included in the taxable category? This requires specific guidance, public announcement, and international standards. Not to mention, if only taxing is imposed without accompanying communicationand education , people will not change their consumption behavior. They can switch from bottled soft drinks to other drinks that are equally sweet, but are not taxed because they are not on the list. At that time, the goal of reducing disease will not be achieved, and all that remains is... increasing revenue.
The biggest lack at present is not a resolution or determination, but a “smart policy package”, including: Strong communication to help people understand the policy reasons. Support businesses to switch to low-sugar, healthy products. Orientation of spending of this tax revenue back to programs to prevent and combat non-communicable diseases, improve school nutrition. In particular, information transparency to avoid panic and excessive fear.
Steadfast before the "test"
As a land with a tradition of agricultural production, Vinh Phuc is transforming strongly with industrial zones, rapid urbanization, increasing income... followed by changes in eating habits. Many young people consider soft drinks as "modern thirst quenching culture". But they are also the most vulnerable to diseases caused by excessive sugar consumption. Therefore, if we understand the true nature of this tax, not to "stifle" businesses, and certainly not to "pick the pockets" of consumers but to promote a shift to a healthier lifestyle, Vinh Phuc will have the opportunity to take the lead in supporting and monitoring policies. Because if we do not change, the big bellies, swollen legs, and weak hearts of future generations will be a very high price.
Tax is not just a number, it is a choice for the future. No matter how right a policy is, if it lacks consensus, transparency and coordinated action, it can easily be misunderstood and counterproductive. Taxing sugary soft drinks is not just the business of the Ministry of Finance, nor is it just a burden for consumers. It is a “test” of policy vision, a way for us to answer the question: between a glass of soft drink and a healthy community, which do we choose?
Article and photos: Cuc Phuong
Source: http://baovinhphuc.com.vn/Multimedia/Images/Id/129782/Danh-thue-nuoc-ngot-Hieu-dung-de-khong-phan-ung-sai
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