Higher excise duties on tobacco products
As of today, Bulgaria is introducing higher excise duty rates for all types of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The change is part of the 2026 State Budget Act.
The excise duty on cigarettes is being raised from 113.51 euros to 120 euros per 1,000 cigarettes, which increases the price of a pack by approximately 0.13 cents.
- Cigarettes: A schedule for an increase to 132 euros per 1,000 cigarettes by 2028.
- Smoking tobacco: Increase to 130 euros per kilogram.
- Heated tobacco products: Excise duty hike to 225 euros per kilogram.
New rules for gambling affiliates
With the new budget, a licensing regime and a two-component state fee are introduced for affiliate operators advertising gambling games:
- Annual fee: 6,000 euros.
- Variable component: 10% on commission remuneration linked to results (deposits, bets, etc.).
The expected additional revenue from these measures is 100 million euros for 2026 and 150 million euros for 2027.
2026 Budget parameters
The budget is calculated with a 5.7% deficit, 2.6% economic growth, and 4.3% inflation. New state debt in the amount of 10.1 billion euros is projected, including funding for the defense industry.