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

RLX Technology 2025 Revenue Rises 44.0% YoY to Nearly USD 566.1 million, International Business Accounts for 76.5% in Q4
RLX Technology 2025 Revenue Rises 44.0% YoY to Nearly USD 566.1 million, International Business Accounts for 76.5% in Q4
RLX Technology Inc. announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2025. Q4 net revenue reached RMB 1.1413 billion, a 40.3% year-over-year increase, while full-year net revenue grew 44.0% to RMB 3.9589 billion.
Mar.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Africa health department agrees to exempt smokeless and non-combustible products from tobacco control bill
South Africa health department agrees to exempt smokeless and non-combustible products from tobacco control bill
At a parliamentary committee meeting in South Africa, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said the health department has agreed to exempt non-combustible and smokeless products — including chewing tobacco, snus, nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes — from the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. The department is prepared, at this stage, to exempt them from packaging and labelling requirements except for misleading or false claims.
Mar.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | 25-second preheat and 2,250mAh battery: Heaven Gifts’ REJO launches new HNB device on Japanese and UK e-commerce platforms
Product | 25-second preheat and 2,250mAh battery: Heaven Gifts’ REJO launches new HNB device on Japanese and UK e-commerce platforms
REJO, Heaven Gifts’ heated tobacco (HNB) brand, has listed the REJO CUBE on its official website. The device features a magnetic modular design with a detachable battery and an OmniHeat™ 360° heating system, and is now available via e-commerce channels in Japan and the UK, priced at 6,980 yen (about $45) in Japan.
Mar.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia May Allow Regions to Introduce Experimental Vape Sales Bans
Russia May Allow Regions to Introduce Experimental Vape Sales Bans
Russia’s government commission on legislative activity has approved second-reading amendments to a bill on licensing trade in tobacco and nicotine-containing products that would allow Russian regions to introduce experimental bans on vape sales.
Mar.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China’s E-cigarette Exports Reach $1.694 Billion in Jan–Feb 2026; U.S., UK, Germany Lead, Japan Rises to Fourth
China’s E-cigarette Exports Reach $1.694 Billion in Jan–Feb 2026; U.S., UK, Germany Lead, Japan Rises to Fourth
China Customs Administration released e-cigarette export data for January and February 2025, showing varied monthly performances in 2026.In January, the export value was $940 million, a decrease of 6.2% compared to January 2025's $1.02 billion. In February, the export value was $754 million, a 51.2% increase compared to February 2025's $498 million.
Mar.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Special Report|Reynolds’ 337 Patent Case Ends, but a Harsher 337 Compliance Battle Now Targets the Entire Vape Supply Chain
Special Report|Reynolds’ 337 Patent Case Ends, but a Harsher 337 Compliance Battle Now Targets the Entire Vape Supply Chain
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has terminated Investigation 337-TA-1410 after invalidating key vape patent claims asserted by R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, removing the immediate risk of import bans for dozens of companies. However, a new case—337-TA-1486—has already opened a more consequential legal front, shifting the focus from patent disputes to regulatory compliance across the vape supply chain, including PACT Act reporting, tax compliance, and FDA marketing authorization.
BAT
Mar.11