Puerto Rico

Legislation*

*legislation that was introduced and not passed

2013

PR H.B. 896 - Enacted June 30, 2013

This law increases Puerto Rico’s excise tax on cigarettes and imposes a new excise tax on smokeless tobacco products, including chewing tobacco, snuff, and dissolvable forms like lozenges and strips. The measure cites oral cancer as a key health concern linked to smokeless tobacco use and references findings from international health authorities. The legislation also supports public health goals by discouraging tobacco consumption while generating revenue for the Commonwealth's General Fund.