Both government and opposition are considering proposals to abandon the duty-free allowance for cigarettes and tobacco for international travellers arriving in Australia, reports The Australian.

The Henry Tax Review recommended in its 2010 report to Treasurer Wayne Swan that people arriving at airports and other points of entry be allowed to bring in only a single packet of cigarettes free of duty. Although the government declined to include the measure in its initial response to the review, they are now reported to consider abandoning the concession, which costs the budget about AUD 270 million (EUR 219.4 million) a year.
Under existing rules inbound travellers aged over 18 are allowed to bring into Australia 250 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco products tax-free. (pi)