New Zealand Chief Minister Proposes Reforms on Tobacco Tax

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Feb.01.2024
New Zealand Chief Minister Proposes Reforms on Tobacco Tax
New Zealand Chief Minister Casey Costello proposes freezing tobacco tax and reducing taxes in a memo calling for smoke-free reforms.

The New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation (RNZ) reported on February 1st that New Zealand Prime Minister Casey Costello proposed freezing tobacco excise tax and included suggestions for tax reduction in a memorandum submitted to the Ministry of Health regarding the reform of smoke-free regulations.

 

The memorandum also suggests implementing a zero consumption tax on tobacco products, including Philip Morris' new product, IQOS. It compares the risks of nicotine to those of caffeine, emphasizing that e-cigarettes are an effective means of reducing the number of smokers. The memorandum further highlights the challenges faced by the tobacco industry and calls for the creation of safer alternatives, such as e-cigarettes, to address these challenges.

 

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced that the government has raised the excise tax on cigarettes. However, proposals contained in the Costello memorandum have sparked controversy over New Zealand's smoke-free policy, particularly the recommendations regarding tobacco excise tax and tax reductions.

 

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

JT Launches Ploom CUBE Heated Tobacco Device Featuring SMART HEATFLOW
JT Launches Ploom CUBE Heated Tobacco Device Featuring SMART HEATFLOW
Japan Tobacco has launched the Ploom CUBE heated-tobacco device in Japan, with a starter kit retail price of JPY 1,980 (approximately US$13). The cube-shaped device employs the same SMART HEATFLOW heating technology as Ploom AURA and delivers roughly 19–27 sticks per charge.
Oct.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Korea Launches Year-End Promotion for “glo hyper” as Demand for Odorless Heated Tobacco Rises
BAT Korea Launches Year-End Promotion for “glo hyper” as Demand for Odorless Heated Tobacco Rises
BAT Rothmans has announced a year-end promotion for its “glo hyper” heated tobacco series in response to growing consumer demand for odorless devices during the cold season. As indoor activity rises, more smokers are shifting to heated tobacco products that produce less smell and ash. Government data show HNB sales grew 8.3% last year, accounting for 18.4% of the tobacco market.
Nov.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Belarus Proposes 20% Tax Increase on Vaping Products and Nicotine Items
Belarus Proposes 20% Tax Increase on Vaping Products and Nicotine Items
Belarus will increase excise taxes in 2026 on vapes, liquids for electronic smoking systems, and non-tobacco nicotine products, with a proposed 20% rise aimed at aligning these rates with traditional cigarettes. Electronic smoking devices and heated tobacco systems will also be added to the list of excisable goods. Excise taxes on filtered cigarettes and heated tobacco will rise by 7% and 3% respectively.
Nov.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
InterTabac 2025 Insights|RELX Unveils “Vaporless” Showcase Cabinet Featuring Nicotine Airpouch and Prototype Vaporless Device
InterTabac 2025 Insights|RELX Unveils “Vaporless” Showcase Cabinet Featuring Nicotine Airpouch and Prototype Vaporless Device
At InterTabac 2025, RELX’s oral-nicotine showcase featured leaf-shaped Nicotine Airpouch products under the WAKA, RELX, and DOSH brands, alongside a prototype “vaporless oral product.” The device produces no visible aerosol upon exhalation during light puffs and is currently for exhibition only, with no confirmed launch timeline. RELX also displayed a nose-inhaled e-cigarette that differs from conventional mouth-inhaled vaping by requiring nasal inhalation.
Sep.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Samsung's battery explosion case proceeds as court finds manufacturer maintained “sufficient contacts” with the state
Samsung's battery explosion case proceeds as court finds manufacturer maintained “sufficient contacts” with the state
The Minnesota Court of Appeals has ruled that Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., a South Korean battery manufacturer, is subject to Minnesota jurisdiction in a product-liability case involving a vape battery explosion. The court found the company had “sufficient minimum contacts” with the state through extensive business activity.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announced its law enforcement results: more than 2.35 million illegal e-cigarettes were seized in a week and 106 people were arrested
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announced its law enforcement results: more than 2.35 million illegal e-cigarettes were seized in a week and 106 people were arrested
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced its latest law enforcement results, saying that in "Operation Vape Trail", it seized more than 2.35 million illegal e-cigarette devices and cartridges in the week from September 15 to 19, also seized 115 firearms, more than $8.7 million in cash and assets, and arrested 106 people.
Sep.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai