New Zealand Boosts Heated Tobacco Products for Harm Reduction
August 05, 2024 by filtermag.org
New Zealand Boosts Heated Tobacco Products for Harm Reduction
New Zealand has decreased excise tax on heated tobacco products by 50%, aiming to promote harm reduction in smoking. The country champions safer alternatives like heated tobacco products and vaping, with a goal to become smoke-free by 2025. The move has sparked debate, with some concerned about Big Tobacco influence. Experts recommend affordable access to lower-risk nicotine substitutes for effective smoking cessation. However, awareness about heated tobacco products remains low. Despite criticism, reducing taxes on these products could benefit those looking to quit smoking, particularly low-income individuals.
8.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 444,279 current smokers in New Zealand.
SOURCE: GSTHR
