The Brunei government yesterday raised the duty on cigarettes to BND 5 (EUR 2.74) for a packet of 20 and banned the import by travellers of duty free cigarettes, reports the Brunei Times.

Under the Customs Import Duties (Amendment) Order 2010 tobacco excise duty was raised to BND 0.25 per stick of cigarette compared with the current BND 60 per kg, and for "unmanufactured tobacco and tobacco refuse" the duty rises from BND 30 to BND 60 per kg.
Tobacco blended for retail sale will be taxed at BND 120 per kg, up from BND 60. "Other manufactured tobacco", which refers to manufactured tobacco blended for cigarette making but not finished products, is taxed at BND 35 per kg.
The ministry of finance said in a press release that by the command of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the amendments were implemented in the interests of the health and well-being of the people, especially in helping to reduce the risk of chronic diseases related to smoking. (pi)