New Zealand: Duty Free Tobacco Allowance to Drop

Source from:  3News NZ 10/30/2014

In an effort to align with Australia's travel regulations, the duty free allowance for bringing tobacco products into New Zealand will drop this weekend.

The current allowance is 200 cigarettes, but as of Saturday will be reduced to 50 cigarettes or 50 grams.

Customs chief executive Carolyn Tremain says anyone exceeding the new limit will have to declare it and pay duty and GST on the excess, or throw it away.

"Travellers should be aware that if they do not declare their excess tobacco, it will be seized.

"They could also face prosecution if they're found to be deliberately trying to evade duty."

Ms Tremain says there will also be no duty free concession available for tobacco sent by mail or cargo.

"[This means] anyone sent tobacco from overseas will have to pay duty and GST on the entire amount when it arrives, regardless of quantity," she says.

"In the past, people receiving parcels from overseas may have qualified for a gift concession – but this concession no longer applies to tobacco and people should let their family and friends overseas know about the change." Enditem