The Belait Customs and Excise Office has beefed up checks at the Sungai Tujoh checkpoint in view of the recent amendments to the Customs Import Duties Order 2010 on tobacco products.
According to an officer from the Belait Customs and Excise Office, passengers are still allowed to bring in cigarettes but they must declare them for taxation purposes.
Under the new tax system, each stick of cigarette brought into Brunei will be taxed $0.25, which means $50 will be imposed for each carton (10 packs) of 20-stick cigarettes.
The Belait Customs and Excise Office said they have increased checks at the border by asking border-hoppers if they are carrying cigarettes with them.
"Many people are still not familiar with the new regulation so it is imperative that we ask if they are carrying cigarettes with them. If they do, we will ask them to pay the tax," said the officer.
Officers will also conduct searches on vehicles passing through the borders to prevent cigarette smuggling.
The price of a carton of branded cigarettes at Miri's duty-free shop is RM64 (approximately $27), and adding $50 of tax on it, the person bringing it into Brunei will end up forking out $77 for a carton.
Since the announcement of the new tax imposed on tobacco, which came into effect from November 1, 2010, people have been trying to get hold of the old stocks of cigarettes.
However, many outlets selling cigarettes have run out of stock while agents are still withholding supplies until confirmation of the new selling price.
There is still no confirmation from the authorities or suppliers on the new selling price of cigarettes in Brunei after the new regulation. - Borneo Bulletin
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