Controversy Surrounding New Cheap Cigar-Like Product Sold as Cigarettes

International company FiMo has released a new product that resembles a cigarette but is sold in a cigar format at a cheaper price point of around $3 per packet. The cigarettes are manufactured in the Philippines and are designed to look like a leaf, allowing them to be imported as cigars with lower tax rates. The reduced taxes enable FiMo to sell the product at a price point 10% lower than the cheapest cigarettes available.

Meanwhile, Philip Morris International has been making every effort to portray itself as transitioning from combustible tobacco to more sustainable products: "We are working towards a future without cigarettes: a future where adult smokers have access to smoke-free alternatives that are much better than continuing to smoke.

However, it has launched a new combustible product at a very attractive price.

Dr. Rachel Nicholls from the New Zealand Cancer Society has condemned the product, stating, "we believe it is yet another attempt by tobacco companies to attract new users and encourage continued smoking...The Cancer Society condemns the tobacco industry's despicable tactics of sacrificing people for profit.

Dr. Ayesha Verrall, the Deputy Minister of Health, has stated that cigars are not a new phenomenon in New Zealand and are subject to the same strict sales regulations as cigarettes. However, marketing them as a cigarette alternative is a new development. "Seeing cigar products being marketed with the same brand names, indistinguishable packaging, and at such low prices as cigarette lines is deeply concerning,” she said.

New Zealand's Smokefree plan

At the same time, in December of last year, New Zealand launched a smoke-free plan. Verrall collaborated with several health organizations to gather opinions on a proper action plan, earning praise as a result.

Nancy Loucas, co-director of the Aotearoa Vapers Community Advocacy (AVCA), has reported that Minister Verrall held a conference call with a consultation group, which included ASH, Hapai te Hauora, and the New Zealand Medical Association, prior to publishing the Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 action plan discussion document for public consultation, according to her statement referring to Minister Verrall's diary.

The co-director added that engaging in discussions with these groups is a positive sign because they recognize the potential role of safer nicotine alternatives in reducing smoking rates. "These groups are very supportive of the key role that e-cigarettes can play in smoking cessation, which is very encouraging. Verrall is ready to finalize her smoke-free action plan after hearing about their on-the-ground experiences.

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