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.

References:

[1] Revealed: NZ First Minister Casey Costello's notes on tobacco tax freeze

Also Read:

[1] Controversial New Zealand Proposal: Freezing Cigarette Tax for Three Years

[2] Chinese E-cigarette Exports to New Zealand in November 2023

[3] Rising Concerns: E-cigarette and Smoking Issues in New Zealand Schools

[4] Teenage Smokers' Parents Worry as New Zealand Government Plans to Scrap Smoke-free Laws

#Traditional tobacco #Legislation #Oceania #New Zealand #Legislation New Zealand #E-cigarette Taxes

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

Nicoventures Granted Rehearing After Philip Morris Challenge Rejected

Nicoventures Trading Ltd., a subsidiary of British American Tobacco (BAT), has won an appeal at the European Patent Office (EPO), convincing the appellate board that examiners had violated its right to be heard by failing to review all of its submissions.

Dec.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Ireland Implements 50c per ml Tax on E-Liquids Starting Nov 1

From November 1, 2025, Ireland introduces a new E-liquid Products Tax (EPT), adding €0.50 per millilitre to all e-liquid products, including nicotine-free types. Signed into law by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, the measure targets youth vaping and requires suppliers to register with Revenue and pay duty at import, manufacturing, or distribution.

Nov.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Illegal Vape Sellers in the Netherlands Could Be Fined Up to €4,040

The outgoing Dutch government plans to raise fines for illegal sales of vapes and cigarettes, with first-time offenders facing a €2,040 penalty. The new fines, up to €4,040 for large companies, are expected to take effect on July 1, 2026, pending parliamentary approval.

Nov.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Russia Proposes Mandatory Labelling of E-cigarettes from April 1, 2026

Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed introducing mandatory labelling for electronic cigarettes and other electronic devices used to consume nicotine, starting April 1, 2026. The draft resolution has been published on the regulatory portal. Under the proposal, market participants would be required to register with the national monitoring system and label products accordingly, as part of efforts to enhance state oversight of production and circulation.