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

Canadians visiting Mexico warned of stricter penalties for bringing e-cigarettes or vaping devices
Canadians visiting Mexico warned of stricter penalties for bringing e-cigarettes or vaping devices
Canadians traveling to Mexico should avoid packing e-cigarettes or vaping devices, citing Canada’s travel advisory warning that tourists have been banned from bringing such items into Mexico since 2025. The advisory says customs officials could confiscate the items upon arrival and travelers could be fined or detained.
Feb.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Fifth Circuit Upholds FDA’s 2021 PMTA Rule, Citing Statutory Health-Study Requirements
Fifth Circuit Upholds FDA’s 2021 PMTA Rule, Citing Statutory Health-Study Requirements
A Fifth Circuit panel upheld the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 2021 final rule requiring companies seeking premarket authorization for new tobacco products to include information on health-risk investigations. In a published opinion, the court found FDA satisfied the Regulatory Flexibility Act’s procedural requirements and reasonably relied on the economic analysis from the 2016 “deeming rule” as a factual basis to certify limited impact on small businesses.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Haypp confirms exit from UK vape category as it shifts focus to oral nicotine
Haypp confirms exit from UK vape category as it shifts focus to oral nicotine
Haypp, an online retailer of alternative nicotine products, has confirmed it is exiting the UK vape category as it shifts focus to the oral nicotine market. The company said analysis of its sales data showed increasing adoption of nicotine pouches across its six international markets: the UK, the USA, Germany, Norway, Switzerland and Sweden.
Mar.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
KT&G to cancel 10.866 mln treasury shares, about 9.5% of shares outstanding
KT&G to cancel 10.866 mln treasury shares, about 9.5% of shares outstanding
KT&G said it plans to cancel all treasury shares it holds, totaling 10,866,189 shares, representing about 9.5% of shares outstanding, in line with Korea’s third amendment to the Commercial Act requiring companies to cancel repurchased shares within one year. The company also disclosed progress on its shareholder-return plan and multiple agenda items for next month’s shareholders meeting.
Feb.26
Kansas Lawmakers Hear SB 355 to License E-Cigarette Makers, Citing Illicit China Imports
Kansas Lawmakers Hear SB 355 to License E-Cigarette Makers, Citing Illicit China Imports
Kansas lawmakers held a Senate committee hearing on Senate Bill 355 on Jan. 27. The proposal would require e-cigarette manufacturers—potentially affecting distributors as well—to obtain a state license, expanding oversight beyond retailers.
Jan.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BENDSTA Urges Prime Minister to Review Bangladesh’s 2025 Tobacco Control Ordinance
BENDSTA Urges Prime Minister to Review Bangladesh’s 2025 Tobacco Control Ordinance
The Bangladesh Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Traders Association (BENDSTA) has urged the prime minister to initiate a comprehensive parliamentary review of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Use (Control) Ordinance, 2025.
Mar.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai