As a resident of Australia, I have been a smoker for the past 10 years. I have tried various types of cigarettes, from regular to menthol, but my go-to choice has always been menthol cigarettes. There’s something about the cool and refreshing taste of menthol that I find irresistible. However, over the years, I have come to realize that buying menthol cigarettes in Australia is not as straightforward as buying regular cigarettes. In this article, I will share my experiences and provide some insights on buying menthol cigarettes in Australia.
Firstly, it is important to understand that the sale of menthol cigarettes is not banned in Australia unlike in some other countries. However, the government has implemented strict regulations and restrictions when it comes to the packaging and labeling of cigarettes. According to the Tobacco Plain Packaging Act 2011, all cigarettes sold in Australia must come in plain packaging with graphic health warnings covering 75% of the front and 90% of the back of the pack. This regulation applies to all types of cigarettes, including menthol.
This means that when you walk into a convenience store or a tobacco shop, you won’t see packs of menthol cigarettes with eye-catching logos or attractive designs. Instead, you will see standardized packaging with the brand name and product name in a generic font and color. This measure aims to reduce the appeal of cigarettes, especially to young people, and encourage people to quit smoking. While I understand the intention behind this regulation, I must admit that as a consumer, I do miss the variety and aesthetic appeal of different cigarette packaging.
When it comes to purchasing menthol cigarettes specifically, Australia has implemented a ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products. This means that you won’t find any menthol or any other flavored cigarettes in Australia. However, there’s a catch – this ban applies to domestically produced cigarettes only. As a result, many Australians turn to the black market or online shops to buy imported menthol cigarettes. This raises an important issue of the safety and reliability of these products.
I personally prefer to buy my menthol cigarettes from online shops, particularly from sites that specialize in selling imported cigarettes in Australia. One such site is Cigaroo. This online shop offers a wide range of imported menthol cigarettes, including popular brands such as Marlboro Menthol and Newport Menthol. The best part about buying from this site is that they offer product guarantee, ensuring that the cigarettes are genuine and safe to consume.
Apart from the issue of safety, buying imported cigarettes also raises questions about the legality of it. According to the Australian Border Force, individuals are allowed to bring in one unopened pack (25 cigarettes) of cigarettes purchased overseas for personal use. Anything more than that quantity may attract duty and taxes. Therefore, it is essential to check the customs regulations before ordering large quantities of menthol cigarettes from international online shops.
Another aspect to consider when buying menthol cigarettes in Australia is the cost. As compared to regular cigarettes, menthol cigarettes tend to be more expensive. This is due to the added process of infusing the tobacco with menthol flavoring, which increases the production cost. Additionally, the imported menthol cigarettes also come with a higher price tag due to the cost of shipping and taxes. Hence, it is necessary to have a budget in mind when purchasing menthol cigarettes.
In conclusion, buying menthol cigarettes in Australia can be a bit of a hassle due to the strict regulations and restrictions imposed by the government. The ban on flavored tobacco products and the plain packaging law have made it challenging to find menthol cigarettes in local shops. However, with the growth of online shops and the option of importing cigarettes for personal use, smokers like myself can still satisfy our cravings for menthol cigarettes. It is crucial to make informed decisions and ensure the safety and legality of imported cigarettes. As for me, I will continue to enjoy my menthol cigarettes, but with a greater appreciation for the effort and cost that goes into buying them in Australia.