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

Nepal: 80 cartons of e-cigarettes seized, valued at US$150,000
Nepal: 80 cartons of e-cigarettes seized, valued at US$150,000
In Nepal’s Mustang district, authorities seized 80 cartons of e-cigarettes valued at NPR 22,459,320 (approximately US$150,000) in Lomanthang Rural Municipality-4, Nechung, and detained a 32-year-old man, Pema Lama. The account says the e-cigarettes were allegedly brought illegally from China three to four days earlier and loaded near the Korala Nepal–China border point before being intercepted.
Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Comedian Shuib fined  US$2,460 after pleading guilty to promoting an e-cigarette on a podcast
Comedian Shuib fined US$2,460 after pleading guilty to promoting an e-cigarette on a podcast
Bernama reported that comedian Shahmira Muhamad, better known as Shuib Sepahtu, was fined RM10,000 (about US$2,460.93) after pleading guilty to promoting an electronic cigarette product on a YouTube podcast in 2024. The magistrate ordered one month’s jail in default of payment, and he paid the fine. He was charged over a promotion at 4.26pm on Oct 22, 2024, under Section 9(1) of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
Jan.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exclusive: Altria Confirms FDA Grants Marketing Authorization to on! PLUS, Ending More Than a Year of PMTA Review
Exclusive: Altria Confirms FDA Grants Marketing Authorization to on! PLUS, Ending More Than a Year of PMTA Review
Altria on December 19 confirmed that six on! PLUS nicotine pouch products had received U.S. FDA marketing authorization, ending a PMTA review lasting more than a year after the company moved ahead with launch plans before clearance.
Regulations
Dec.20
JTI appoints Olesja Flores as General Manager for Global Travel Retail
JTI appoints Olesja Flores as General Manager for Global Travel Retail
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has appointed veteran executive Olesja Flores as General Manager, Global Travel Retail. Flores, who has spent more than 25 years at JTI and most recently served as General Manager for the Swiss market, will be based in Dubai and oversee the company’s global travel retail business.
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
British Columbia Sues Juul Over Youth Nicotine Addiction
British Columbia Sues Juul Over Youth Nicotine Addiction
British Columbia has filed a civil lawsuit against Juul Labs, alleging the company fuelled youth nicotine addiction through highly addictive products and deceptive marketing practices. The claim was submitted to the B.C. Supreme Court under the newly enacted Vaping Product Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act.
Dec.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
$200 Million Investment to Advance Smokeless Product Manufacturing at Reynolds
$200 Million Investment to Advance Smokeless Product Manufacturing at Reynolds
Reynolds American Inc. announced it will create 200 new manufacturing positions in 2026 at its Tobaccoville, North Carolina, Operations Center, bringing total new roles added over the past two years to more than 1,000. The company added 800 jobs between 2024 and 2025. These roles will support the continued growth of Velo Plus nicotine pouches and Reynolds’ expanding multi-category portfolio, aligned with its mission to build a smokeless world.
Dec.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai