Christoph B. Rosenberg (IMF) & Marius van Oordt (Independent), Taxing Harmful Habits, Fin. & Dev. Mag. (IMF, Mar. 2026):

Taxation is more than a fiscal instrument; it is a powerful lever for shaping healthier societies. . . .

Linking excise taxes to relative health risks can reduce preventable diseases while supporting sustainable revenues, particularly when applied comprehensively and consistently. Conversely, loopholes, misaligned incentives, and fragmented approaches lead to revenue losses and continued exposure to avoidable harm. Tax systems must therefore shift with evolving consumption patterns and product offerings.

That shift cannot happen in isolation. It requires internationally shared principles on how to curb cross-border arbitrage and illicit trade. . . .