Combatting Illicit Tobacco Bill 2026

Summary

This legislation targets the illegal tobacco trade in Australia by strengthening enforcement powers and penalties against smuggling, counterfeit production, and unlicensed sales of cigarettes and other tobacco products. It likely amends existing tobacco control laws—such as the Excise Act 1901 and the Tobacco Plain Packaging Act 2011—to give customs and tax authorities better tools to detect and prosecute tobacco crime, and increases penalties to make illegal operations less profitable. The change matters because illicit tobacco undercuts legitimate businesses, costs the government excise revenue needed for public services, and often involves organized crime networks that fuel broader criminal activity.