Cigar tax hike for New Zealand

In 2016, the New Zealand government released a plan to increase the tobacco tax with four steps of 10%, and effectively January first, the third step will be effective.

The new tax for homogenized tobacco, often used in low-grade cigarillos will be $1317,93 per kilo while premium cigars will have a $1156,05 tax per kilo. With the current New Zealand Dollar versus Euro rate, the tax will be approximately €795,42 for the homogenized tobacco and €697,72 per kilo for premium cigars.

The new tax applies for all cigars imported from December 31st, midnight. We hope that the New Zealand distributors, The Pacific Cigar Co Ltd (responsible for Habanos) and Canteros (the sole distributor for all non-Cuban brands) have plenty of stock so that the kiwi cigar aficionados don’t feel the pain immediately.