Australian officials sent reminders to retailers that the nation’s harsh new tobacco regulations will be in full effect beginning July 1. The new regulations were announced in October 2024 and gave manufacturers five months to comply. Retailers were then given a three-month transition period to phase out old stock that will end in June.
The new rules include banning certain flavors and ingredients that mask the taste of tobacco; using words like “smooth” or “gold” that make the product seem safer; having 20 sticks per pack and 10 packs per carton; making each cigarette the same size; and updating health warnings that will be printed on the packaging and products.
According to the Daily Mail, cigarette prices in Australia are among the highest in the world due chiefly to heavy taxation. A standard 20-pack costs more than A$50 ($32.50), depending on the brand, with 70% of the retail price, A$35 ($22.75), going to the government as excise tax. Despite the tax increases, government revenue from tobacco dropped 39% as the tax hikes created a booming black market, with millions of Australians now buying illegal, counterfeit cigarettes sold in convenience stores. The Australian Tax Office estimates that nearly 20% of cigarettes smoked in the country come from criminal syndicates that evade taxes and sell at deep discounts.
