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

Tajikistan Weighs a Total Vape Ban as Upper House Chair Orders Draft Bill
Tajikistan Weighs a Total Vape Ban as Upper House Chair Orders Draft Bill
Tajikistan is preparing legislation that could impose a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes. Upper house chair Rustami Emomali (Рустами Эмомали) has ordered the drafting of a bill, which is still under development. Retailers have begun scaling back sales amid tightening signals, while existing tobacco-control rules already restrict smoking in many public places and set fines.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thailand’s health minister rejects vaping as a smoking cessation alternative
Thailand’s health minister rejects vaping as a smoking cessation alternative
Thailand’s Public Health Minister Phatthana Phromphat has reaffirmed that the government does not support cigarettes or e-cigarettes in any form and opposes the use of e-cigarettes as a substitute for smoking cessation.
Dec.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Azerbaijan Parliament Passes E-cigarette Ban Bill in First Reading
Azerbaijan Parliament Passes E-cigarette Ban Bill in First Reading
Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis has approved, in its first reading, a bill that would ban the import, export, production, storage, wholesale and retail sale, and use of electronic cigarettes and their components. The bill amends the Law on Tobacco and Tobacco Products, classifying nicotine-containing e-cigarettes as tobacco products while explicitly excluding heated tobacco products. If adopted, the law would take effect on February 1, 2026.
Dec.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Belgium: BAT plans to cut 51 jobs at Groot-Bijgaarden site
Belgium: BAT plans to cut 51 jobs at Groot-Bijgaarden site
British American Tobacco (BAT) has announced plans to cut 51 jobs at its Groot-Bijgaarden facility in Belgium, disclosed during a special works council meeting.
Jan.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singapore HSA bust links two vape warehouses; Malaysian man jailed 41 weeks
Singapore HSA bust links two vape warehouses; Malaysian man jailed 41 weeks
HSA officers in Singapore staked out a Bishan warehouse after a tip-off and found a Malaysian man in a site containing thousands of vaporisers and components. Checks on his phone led to a second warehouse in Ubi with large quantities of devices and parts.
Jan.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China Further Tightens E-Cigarette Capacity and Investment Controls, Supply Chain Faces Stronger Regulation and Accelerated Shakeout
China Further Tightens E-Cigarette Capacity and Investment Controls, Supply Chain Faces Stronger Regulation and Accelerated Shakeout
China is tightening controls over e-cigarette production capacity and investment as regulators move to curb disorderly competition and address oversupply risks, a new policy framework released on December 25 shows, signaling stronger oversight and a faster shakeout across the country’s e-cigarette supply chain, according to first-hand reporting by 2Firsts.
Dec.25