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

China’s E-Cigarette Exports Reached USD 879 Million in September 2025, Down 6.08% MoM— U.S. Remains Top Market, Russia Falls Sharply
China’s E-Cigarette Exports Reached USD 879 Million in September 2025, Down 6.08% MoM— U.S. Remains Top Market, Russia Falls Sharply
In September 2025, China’s total e-cigarette exports reached USD 879 million, representing a 6.08% decline month-on-month but a 3.41% increase year-on-year.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea’s Parliament Reconsiders Bill to Regulate Synthetic Nicotine as Tobacco
South Korea’s Parliament Reconsiders Bill to Regulate Synthetic Nicotine as Tobacco
South Korea’s National Assembly is once again reviewing a bill to classify synthetic nicotine as a tobacco product under the Tobacco Business Act. The proposal aims to close regulatory loopholes that allow untaxed, unregulated nicotine liquids — often used by minors — to circulate freely. Lawmakers expect the bill to pass during the current session amid growing public and civic pressure.
Nov.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russian Khabarovsk Officers Confiscate Illegal Vapes, Tax Evasion at $225,000
Russian Khabarovsk Officers Confiscate Illegal Vapes, Tax Evasion at $225,000
Customs officers in Khabarovsk seized nearly 13,000 illegally imported vapes worth ₽11 million. The undeclared goods evaded about $225,000 in customs duties and lacked safety and labeling certificates. The case is pending court review as Russia considers a nationwide vape sales ban.
Oct.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China Boton Group Resumes Trading, Soars 55.56% to 52-Week High; Signs Land Acquisition Agreement with Shenzhen Government - Reuters/AP
China Boton Group Resumes Trading, Soars 55.56% to 52-Week High; Signs Land Acquisition Agreement with Shenzhen Government - Reuters/AP
China Boton Group (HK.3318) resumed trading on December 10, opening at 2.800 HKD and surging 55.56%.
Dec.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Global Tobacco Companies’ Latest Earnings Review: Nicotine Pouch Business Shows Broad Strength, Emerging as a Key Growth Driver
Global Tobacco Companies’ Latest Earnings Review: Nicotine Pouch Business Shows Broad Strength, Emerging as a Key Growth Driver
Multiple global tobacco and next-generation nicotine companies reported solid Q3 performance, with the nicotine-pouch category showing broad-based strength across seven firms. Growth was reflected in higher shipment volumes, expanded market coverage, and new product launches. Several companies also reported rising revenue contributions from pouches and continued investment in this fast-growing segment, underscoring its position as a key driver of future growth.
Nov.14
Polish Government Plans Ban on Flavoured Nicotine Pouches and Disposable E-Cigarettes
Polish Government Plans Ban on Flavoured Nicotine Pouches and Disposable E-Cigarettes
Poland’s government is preparing to amend the Act on Protection of Health from the Consequences of Tobacco Use to ban the sale of flavoured nicotine pouches and disposable e-cigarettes. The Health Ministry says the goal is to protect youth from nicotine addiction, citing World Health Organization data on the risks of such products. However, industry representatives and legal experts argue the proposal is abrupt and could expand the illicit market.
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai