A new licence fee is now payable by local manufacturers, importers of tobacco products and suki vendors.
The Tobacco Control (Amendment) Regulations 2023 gazetted on February 3 requires local manufacturers, importers of tobacco products and suki vendors to pay the new licence fee either annually or up to five years.
These amendments to the Tobacco Control Regulations 2012 have been authorised by Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Atonio Lalabalavu.
Under the new requirements, local manufacturer that include importer and distributor of tobacco products or e-cigarettes will pay an annual fee of $222,222, for two years the amount is $444,444, three year license fee is $666,666, four year fee payable is $888,888 and $1.1 million for five years.
Importers for distribution, ship stores or duty free will pay $133,333 for one year that ends with $666,665 for a five year license.
A suki vendor will now have to pay $177.78 in annual licence fee, $355.56 for two years, $533.34 for a year license, and $711.12 for a four-year licence and $888.90 for a five-year license.
These regulations have come into force on January 27, 2023.
