New Zealand Government to Slash Duty-free Tobacco Allowance

Source from:  DFNIonline.com 08/07/2013

The New Zealand government is considering a new law to abolish the inbound duty-free tobacco allowance in the country according to reports in the New Zealand Herald.

Under current law, those entering the country can bring in 200 duty-free cigarettes or 200 grams of loose tobacco. But Ministry of Health officials are looking to either lower the duty-free limit to 50 cigarettes (matching Australia); allow a single open pack of up to 19 cigarettes (matching Hong Kong) or eliminate the allowance completely. According to the report, travellers avoided $55m-$66m in tobacco duties last year which could rise to $84m in 2016 unless the allowance is slashed.

Associate Health Minister Tarianna Turia told the TopNews Arab Emirates website: "Any changes would also have implications for airport retail business and New Zealand Customs Service operations, but these should be manageable with plenty of notice and a good lead-in time."

When contacted by DFNIonline the European Travel Retail Confederation and Independent government affairs and public relations communications company Hume Brophy said they are seeking further clarification on the proposed ban. Enditem