Jamaica will increase the Special Consumption Tax (SCT) on cigarettes from J$17 to J$20 ($0.11 to $0.13) per stick effective May 1, a move expected to generate approximately $1.1 billion ($7 million) in additional revenue. The measure aligns with Jamaica’s commitments under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and comes as lawmakers continue deliberations on broader tobacco control legislation, including regulations on advertising and electronic nicotine delivery systems.
