The Approved Smoked Tobacco Retailer scheme
The Approved Smoked Tobacco Retailer scheme was suspended in December 2023, and has been repealed by the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Act 2024.
Refunds to applicants
The Government has agreed to provide a full refund of fees for those who applied to become an approved smoked tobacco retailer in 2023 and paid the related application fee.
The legislation that enables these refunds passed the House under urgency on the 28th of February 2024. The Ministry of Health will start to process refunds immediately after this legislation comes into effect.
If you paid by credit/debit card online, you will receive the refund back to the same card. You will also be reimbursed for the 2% ‘Paystation’ card payment fee. You will only receive a refund for the application fee and ‘Paystation’ card payment fee – we cannot reimburse you or your business for any other costs incurred. Please allow up to 15 business days to receive the refund.
If you paid by bank transfer, you need to supply your bank details to the TRA so we can send the refund. Those who paid by bank transfer have been contacted directly to provide bank account details via email to [email protected]. Please allow up to 15 business days from receipt of your bank details to receive the refund.
If you think you are eligible for a refund, but have not received one and not heard from us by mid-April, please contact us at [email protected].
It will take some time for the Ministry of Health to process all refunds. Please allow up to 15 business days to receive the refund.