,"The New South Wales Parliament has approved landmark legislation introducing some of the harshest penalties in Australia for those dealing in illegal tobacco. Individuals and businesses found guilty of selling illicit products will face fines of up to $1.5 million, prison sentences of up to seven years, and potential closure of their operations. The Government emphasized that the new laws are aimed at dismantling the business models of organized crime groups that profit from addiction, evade taxes, and expose young people to harmful substances. These measures will operate in tandem with the state’s new tobacco licensing scheme, designed to improve oversight and ensure compliance, making it easier to identify and remove bad actors from the marketplace. Enforcement will be led by NSW Health’s newly established Centre for Regulation and Enforcement, which will target large-scale offenders. The reforms seek not only to protect public health and reduce tobacco-related harm but also to level the playing field for small businesses that comply with the law."
Consumer News Region