Illicit trade of tobacco and tobacco products

The New Zealand Customs Service in working with British American Tobacco (BAT) New Zealand to crack down on the illegal trade of tobacco and tobacco products.

The illicit trade in tobacco and tobacco products is a global problem which amounted to US$20 billion in tax losses last year.  In New Zealand, it is estimated that the Government looses $19.3 million per annum in excise revenue.  

In May, BAT took to the road with an awareness presentation developed for Customs officers throughout the country.  The road show discussed collaboration with industry, how to positively identify counterfeit goods, and the impacts of the counterfeit tobacco trade.  

The information provided by BAT adds value to frontline staff and is timely in this economic climate with the possible increase in fraud by importers dealing with tobacco products.  

British American Tobacco has been working with customs administrations from around the world and has developed memorandums of understandings to tackle illicit trade based on joint action and intelligence in about 35 countries. 

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