The Nation’s toughest fines for illicit tobacco and vapes

The on-the-spot fines have increased ten-fold for individuals and corporations caught stocking and selling illegal tobacco products and vapes.  These fines will be heftiest fines in the nation.

Fines for the commercial supply of illicit tobacco and illegal nicotine products have now increased to $32,260 for an individual, up from $3,226. For corporations, the financial penalty is now $161,300, up from $16,130.

These changes also mean that for the first time, fines can be issued for the commercial possession and supply of vapes and nicotine pouches (often known as zyn) – penalties that never existed under the former Government.

These tough new fines can be issued on the spot, however court ordered penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment and/or fines of up to $322,600 for individuals or $1.6 million for a corporation remain available.

Since coming to office, the Crisafulli Government has seized more than 130,000 illegal vapes and eight million illegal cigarettes.

For too long this black-market trade was allowed to flourish under Labor but we’re determined to stamp it out and with these tougher penalties hitting illegal operators in the hip pocket, we are helping stop illegal vapes falling into the hands of our kids.

These are now some of the highest infringements that can be issued in Queensland, and they recognise the scourge that these illegal chop shops are on our community.

BACKGROUND: 

Table 1: New fines for commercial supply and possession of illicit tobacco and nicotine products 

Table 2: Interjurisdictional analysis of fines for commercial supply and possession of illicit tobacco and nicotine products