NEW ZEALAND
Starting from July 1, people and businesses will need to have a permit from the New Zealand Customs Service to import tobacco products. This does not, however, affect travelers’ duty-free allowances at airports.
“Customs has seen a rising tide of illicit tobacco through international mail and freight in recent years, often with organized crime involved,” said Jenny Salesa, minister of customs; “While most New Zealanders who smoke are paying full excise on the cigarettes they buy at the shop, the minority who can get their hands on smuggled and illegal tobacco products aren’t paying that tax. Whatever you think of tobacco excise, it’s simply not fair that some people get to dodge paying it.” Under the new rule, tobacco products will become ‘prohibited imports’ and only those who have an import permit issued by customs (such as legitimate retailers and tobacco manufacturers) will be able to import tobacco products.
“This change is about closing down international mail as a way for smugglers to import tobacco leaf and cigarettes into New Zealand to avoid taxes,” said Salesa. “At the moment, customs has to prove the importation is for the purpose of evading excise tax before the tobacco can be seized or a prosecution is commenced. Now customs will be able to take quicker action if the importer doesn’t have a permit.”