Summarised by Centrist
New Zealand First Minister Casey Costello plans to release independent advice supporting the use of heated tobacco products (HTPs) as a tool to help people quit smoking.
Despite government officials warning that Philip Morris would benefit most from a 50% excise tax cut for HTPs, Costello defended her decision based on independent studies, including international evidence from Japan.
Philip Morris, the only supplier of HTPs in New Zealand, has been forced to pull its device from sale due to new safety regulations, adding further controversy to the government’s decision to trial HTPs.
