Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Economics
• Tobacco Control Policy

Background:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends financial and fiscal measures to reduce tobacco affordability, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
• Effective tobacco control policies are crucial for public health initiatives globally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the implementation and effectiveness of tobacco fiscal policy in Algeria.
• To assess compliance with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Main Methods:

• Macroeconomic data from 1970-2018 were used to examine tobacco tax levels, structure, and evolution.
• Econometric analysis of price and income elasticity of cigarette demand, and affordable tobacco demand elasticity was conducted.

Main Results:

• The tobacco control fiscal policy in Algeria is not effectively applied.
• The policy's long-term effectiveness and viability conditions are not met.
• Current tobacco tax strategies in Algeria do not align with WHO FCTC objectives.

Conclusions:

• The study questions the application and effectiveness of Article 6 of the WHO FCTC in the Algerian context.
• Re-evaluation of tobacco fiscal policy implementation is recommended for Algeria.