Plain packaging law in Oz?

[AlohaStyle]

Haven't seen this discussed in some time... does Australia still have the plain packaging law for cigars? Or was it scrapped when the Gov't started losing so much tax revenue and realized they broke their own cookie jar??

[westg]

Still alive and kicking...

[El Presidente]

Hasn't affected govt revenues at all.

There is far more "illegal" tobacco floating around (imported cigarettes and chop chop/bulk tobacco sold loosely).

In relation to cigars, more fakes but due to the limited market for domestic cigar sales (and the reach of major distributors in the market), not as bad as it could be.

[AlohaStyle]

Thanks for quick replies. Interesting how tax revenue hasn't been affected... figured sales would take a hit from people not wanting to buy blank packaging, especially for more higher end/luxury items like premium cigars.

[El Presidente]

Thanks for quick replies. Interesting how tax revenue hasn't been affected... figured sales would take a hit from people not wanting to buy blank packaging, especially for more higher end/luxury items like premium cigars.

Many have stopped purchasing box buys within Australia. Singles are up.

It is legal to purchase cigars (non plain packaged) from overseas and bring them in. Few get through unscathed by customs who tax them and then pass them through.

[OZCUBAN]

And we are about to be slugged by another series of hikes in tobacco TAX

[Dimmers]

And we are about to be slugged by another series of hikes in tobacco TAX

[SofaKing]

I dont follow..are you saying a box of lets say Monte 4 come in a plain box with no colors or markings?

[JohnS]

I don't follow..are you saying a box of lets say Monte 4 come in a plain box with no colors or markings?

The change in legislation in 2012 has meant that cigar bands are replaced with plain olive-green bands (with the cigar name on it in plain white writing) and cigars in tubes now come in similar plain olive-green tubing.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/cuba-fumes-over-tobacco-packaging-laws/story-fn59niix-1226194053123

http://www.afr.com/news/policy/health/plain-packaging-laws-a-stinker-for-cigar-makers-20120106-i43ti

[joeruby]

And we are about to be slugged by another series of hikes in tobacco TAX

Whenever the Gov here needs a few extra bob, first option, hike tobacco tax..

It's never ending.

[Fuzz AI]

I dont follow..are you saying a box of lets say Monte 4 come in a plain box with no colors or markings?

Here's the link to the guidelines for plain packaging. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/tpp-non-cig-guide#[%3Ch2%3E]Requirements%20for%20cigars[%3C%2Fh_0

[SofaKing]

Thanks for the clarification John. That is a ludicrous idea, the amount of time ad expense it would require. Clearlythe government has a major agenda against tobacco

[Habana Mike]

Looks like Army-issue cigars

[Phillys]

But who does the plain packaging? Cubatabaco

[TomF]

Here's the link to the guidelines for plain packaging. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/tpp-non-cig-guide#[%3Ch2%3E]Requirements%20for%20cigars[%3C%2Fh_0

So let me get this straight...Rob (or his crew) have to go into every box in every Mastercase they get from PCC and cover every band, replace every tube, take all branding and art off of every box, and ship the cigars in package plastered with a bunch of ugly pictures....really?!?

[Fuzz AI]

So let me get this straight...Rob (or his crew) have to go into every box in every Mastercase they get from PCC and cover every band, replace every tube, take all branding and art off of every box, and ship the cigars in package plastered with a bunch of ugly pictures....really?!?

From what I understand, it is done by PCC Aus. Export stock (ie what is shipped overseas) is exempt if I recall correctly.

[TomF]

That's horrible.

[El Presidente]

From what I understand, it is done by PCC Aus. Export stock (ie what is shipped overseas) is exempt if I recall correctly.

PCC HK plain packages a selection of stock for PCC Australia. We purchase as required.

Export stock is not affected

[Fuzz AI]

PCC HK plain packages a selection of stock for PCC Australia. We purchase as required.

Export stock is not affected

I stand corrected! It would be cheaper to do it overseas than to get it done here.

[ayepatz]

Here's the link to the guidelines for plain packaging. Requirements%20for%20cigars[<%2Fh_0]http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/tpp-non-cig-guide#[Requirements%20for%20cigars[<%2Fh_0]]Requirements%20for%20cigars[<%2Fh_0

Jeezus. Reading that lot is probably worse for your health.

[btp1979]

So does Australia not differentiate between cigarette and cigars for the tobacco taxation?

[Fuzz AI]

So does Australia not differentiate between cigarette and cigars for the tobacco taxation?

It's all tobacco.

[Habana Mike]

Actually best thing to happen for non-Aussies as export stock no longer has the 'health' stickers plastered across the boxes. Win for one at a loss for the other

[dodger29]

Hi All,

New member here and I intend to formally introduce myself in the appropriate newbie thread!

In the meantime, I just wanted to get something understood......I am Aussie, living on the Gold Coast, Queensland.

I have just made my first purchase from the Czar (and Di)..... couple of singles to "test the water"....

Will they be removing the makers' bands and replacing with the olive green generic bands? or will they be going over the makers' bands so that I can remove the horrid green bands so that I can display them nicely in my humidor?

[LordAnubis]

... All cigars sold by retailers in Australia are sold with a plain green band. Most that i have seen have a green band over the original band. i.e. you can peel off the green band and you'll find a partagas band underneath etc etc.. but i have found some retailers remove the original band all together.