Bill Introduced in Colombia to Eliminate Tax on Ultra-Processed and Dugary Products
Representatives to the House Daniel Briceño (Democratic Center) and Carol Borda (National Salvation) launched a campaign to eliminate the so-called healthy tax in Colombia, which applies to sugary beverages and certain ultra-processed foods, with rates that gradually increase. The two congress members explained that after several years of applying this tax (it began in November […]
Congress members Daniel Briceño and Carol Borda have launched a campaign to eliminate a tax on sugary beverages and certain ultra-processed foods in Colombia. The tax, implemented in November 2023, was intended to discourage consumption of products linked to chronic diseases and alleviate pressure on the health system. However, the tax has apparently had the opposite effect, generating economic pressure on small businesses.
Among the taxed items are cereals, cookies, sausages, ham, chorizo, powdered milk, and other staples in Colombian households. Representatives Briceño and Borda maintain that the tax would not have produced the desired health outcomes, as raising prices through taxation does not necessarily lead to better health choices. Instead, they argue that the tax disproportionately affects small merchants and consumers who rely on these basic household items.
The National Federation of Merchants (FENALCO) supports the bill, stating that it aims to protect small business owners and reduce the financial burden on consumers.
Written by urgent.news from Colombia One's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
