Excise duty on tobacco products
The measure
The new measures increase the excise duty on tobacco products. These changes represent an increase of 1% on current duty levels. This is equivalent to 15p on the price of a packet of cigarettes. Cigars, hand-rolling tobacco and other smoking tobacco will increase by a similar percentage.
Who will be affected?
Manufacturers, importers of tobacco products, retailers and consumers.
When?
The increase will take effect from 6pm on 24 March 2010.
Our view
The Government states that it is committed to maintaining high rates of tobacco duty in recognition of the adverse impact of smoking on health.
