TobaccoReporter logo

Tag: armenia

  • Armenia Thwarts Cigarette Smuggling

    Armenia Thwarts Cigarette Smuggling

    Image: Gevorg Simonyan

    Armenia’s State Revenue Committee (SRC) has foiled an attempt to smuggle a large shipment of cigarettes into the country, reports Panorama.

    In an Oct. 25 statement, the SRC said its employees were told that a large quantity of tobacco products could be hidden in a truck transporting cargo from Iran.

    After inspecting the truck driven by an Armenian citizen, they discovered 68,500 packs of cigarettes without excise tax stamps hidden beneath bags of cement.

    Preliminary calculations suggest the shipment had evaded AMD22.5 million ($58,128) in excise taxes.

  • Armenia Bans Smoking In Public Places

    Armenia Bans Smoking In Public Places

    Photo: Taco Tuinstra

    Armenia has banned the use of tobacco products in open spaces effective today, reports the Public Radio of Armenia.

    Smoking is now prohibited in public catering establishments, including open-air ones such as canteens, restaurants, cafes, bars, cafeterias, cooking and selling facilities.

     Violation risk fines ranging from AMD50,000 ($97.38) to AMD200,000.

    The law aims at protecting present and future generations from the negative impact caused by the use of tobacco products.

  • Armenia Tobacco Firm Exampted from Duties

    Armenia Tobacco Firm Exampted from Duties

    Photo: Tobacco Reporter archive

    The Armenian government will exempt cigarette manufacturer DrimCompany from customs duty payments on raw materials imports to encourage investment, reports the Arka News Agency.

    Founded in 2021, DrimCompany aims to sell its products internationally, with a large share of exports going to the Eurasian Economic Union countries.

    DrimCompany has pledged to invest AMD11.9 billion ($24.67 million), including AMD2 billion in the purchase of a new production line. The rest will be spent on the construction and purchase of raw materials and equipment.

    The company said it will create 100 new jobs with an average salary up to AMD450,000 by 2024.

    The customs duty exemption benefit is estimated at AMD937.7 million.

  • Armenia Bans Tobacco Product Displays

    Armenia Bans Tobacco Product Displays

    Photo: Taco Tuinstra

    Retailers in Armenia are no longer allowed to show their customers tobacco products, reports Public Radio of Armenia.

    A new tobacco law, passed in February 2020, prohibits the public display of any tobacco product, including traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery devices at trade centers or in public catering establishments.

    The public display of empty boxes, blocks, trademarks or symbols is also prohibited.

    “The full application of these provisions over time will significantly reduce tobacco use in the country, which will significantly improve the health of the population and the development of the country’s economy,” said says then-Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan after the law passed.

    In March, Armenia will also ban smoking in cafés and restaurants.