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

Japan Tobacco Unveils New Ploom EVO Honey Lemon Smoke Stick, Nationwide Launch in Japan from January 2026
Japan Tobacco Unveils New Ploom EVO Honey Lemon Smoke Stick, Nationwide Launch in Japan from January 2026
Japan Tobacco (JT) has announced a new flavor for its Ploom brand’s premium EVO smoke sticks: “EVO Honey Lemon Crystal.” The product will be rolled out in stages, beginning with an early release through official channels in December 2025, followed by a nationwide launch across convenience stores and tobacco retailers in January 2026, priced at JPY 550 (approximately USD 3.7).
Dec.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Scottish retailers call for tougher action as illegal vape black market “deepens,” SGF says
Scottish retailers call for tougher action as illegal vape black market “deepens,” SGF says
Scottish retailers, through the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF), are calling for tougher action and more investment to tackle a “deepening black market” in illegal vapes, including illegal sales to children. SGF warns the problem will worsen, with negative health impacts, if incoming regulations on vaping product sales are not carefully crafted and if shopkeepers’ views are not heard.
Jan.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Canadian Media Investigation: BAT’s Nicotine Pouch ZONNIC Sparks Ongoing Controversy as Regulatory Gaps in Canada Come Under Scrutiny
Canadian Media Investigation: BAT’s Nicotine Pouch ZONNIC Sparks Ongoing Controversy as Regulatory Gaps in Canada Come Under Scrutiny
Canadian outlet Rebel News released a long-form video report examining Canada’s regulatory framework for nicotine pouches, market dynamics, and the approval process of ZONNIC, a product of BAT subsidiary Imperial Tobacco Canada. The report highlights issues involving youth access, regulatory gaps, black-market activity, retailer feedback, and company responses. This article summarizes key points based on the video.
Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kazakhstan’s Astana Baikonur District Fines Illegal Smokeless Tobacco Sales Over USD 5,800
Kazakhstan’s Astana Baikonur District Fines Illegal Smokeless Tobacco Sales Over USD 5,800
Authorities in Astana’s Baikonur District have intensified enforcement against illegal smokeless tobacco and related products in 2025. Police conducted 59 inspection raids, identifying 63 cases of illegal sales of smokeless tobacco (nasvay). Total fines imposed reached KZT 3,096,450(approximately USD 5,880). Officials said inspections and preventive outreach will continue.
Dec.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thai Police Bust Large-Scale Illegal Vape Production Site
Thai Police Bust Large-Scale Illegal Vape Production Site
Thai economic crime police have raided a residence in Chonburi province used for the illegal production and distribution of e-cigarettes, arresting a Chinese national. Authorities seized large quantities of vape devices, components, e-liquids and production equipment, as well as powder suspected to be linked to a controlled psychoactive substance. Further forensic analysis is underway.
Dec.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JUUL Files ITC Complaint over Vaporizer Device Infringement
JUUL Files ITC Complaint over Vaporizer Device Infringement
The U.S. International Trade Commission has instituted a Section 337 investigation following a complaint filed by JUUL Labs, Inc. and VMR Products LLC. The complaint alleges that certain vaporizer devices, cartridges and related components infringe two U.S. patents. The investigation covers importation, sale for importation and post-importation sales in the United States, with the complainants seeking a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
Dec.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai