New Zealand Tackles Illicit Tobacco Trade with Tougher Penalties

Associate Minister of Health Costello announced that Cabinet has approved legislative changes to address the illicit tobacco trade. The changes include new offences and penalties for breaches of packaging regulations, such as a $2,000 fine for a breach of packaging regulations and a strict liability offence of up to $200,000 for manufacturers, importers, and distributors. The Customs and Excise (Border Security) Amendment Bill also increases the maximum prison term for tobacco smuggling and excise evasion from six months to seven years.