Key highlights
- Bill empowers officers to issue A$1,600 infringement notices for sales of prohibited smoking products.
- Illicit tobacco formally classified as a prohibited smoking product, unifying enforcement under Territory law.
- Expanded entry powers, stronger seizure rules, and non-compensable retention of seized goods in defined cases.
- Updated ID card protections and technical amendments to enhance clarity and operational certainty.
- Government flags additional 2026 reforms targeting the illicit tobacco trade; Access Canberra to gain clearer powers.
2Firsts, October 23, 2025 — According to the ACT Government, Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith has introduced the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Amendment Bill 2025 to strengthen the Territory’s response to illicit tobacco and e-cigarettes.
The Bill authorises officers to issue A$1,600 infringement notices for selling prohibited smoking products and reclassifies illicit tobacco as a prohibited smoking product, aligning it with other restricted categories.
It also expands entry powers, bolsters seizure provisions—including the ability, in specified circumstances, to retain seized goods without compensation—and updates identity card protections and technical provisions to improve clarity and enforceability.
Stephen-Smith said the amendments form part of a broader commitment to protect the community from tobacco and e-cigarette harms and to equip regulators to address emerging risks.
Minister Tara Cheyne added that modernised powers are essential to keep pace with evolving illicit-trade tactics and will enable swift and proportionate action by Access Canberra.
The Government confirmed it will bring forward further reforms in 2026 targeting the illicit tobacco trade.
Image source: ACT Government
We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.
Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn
Notice
1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.
2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.
4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.
Copyright
This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.
For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.
We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com
