✦ Plain-English Summary

Combatting Illicit Tobacco Bill 2026

What it does

This bill gives Australian authorities stronger powers to crack down on the illegal tobacco trade. It updates customs, tax, and crime laws to help investigators track, seize, and prosecute people involved in smuggling and selling black-market cigarettes and tobacco products.

Why it matters

Illegal tobacco costs Australia billions in lost tax revenue and undermines legitimate businesses. It also often funds organised crime networks. Stronger enforcement tools help protect public health by making it harder for people to access cheap, unregulated tobacco products.

Key details

• Expanded investigation powers: Authorities get new abilities to intercept communications, search electronic devices, examine financial records, and seize assets from suspected tobacco smugglers
• Faster implementation: Most changes kick in the day after the bill passes, with a few provisions coming later (some by proclamation, others after 28 days)
• Unexplained wealth orders: The bill introduces new powers to investigate and freeze assets when someone can't explain how they got their money, targeting crime profits from tobacco trafficking

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