Consumer Affairs Minister, Chris Bowen, and Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced the Government will reduce the transition period that non-reduced fire-risk (RFR) cigarettes will be available for sale from 12 to 6 months.
This will ensure that all cigarettes supplied in Australia will be reduced fire risk compliant from 23 September 2010, well in advance of the 2010-11 bushfire season.
Reduced fire risk (RFR) cigarettes are designed to more readily self-extinguish if they are not puffed, and are expected to reduce the incidence of fires caused by smouldering cigarettes.
"The Government is urging tobacco companies to produce or import RFR compliant cigarettes as early as possible," Mr McClelland said.
The change is based on advice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) following extensive consultation with affected suppliers.
"The key message remains the same – smokers need to ensure their cigarettes are completely extinguished before they are carefully disposed of," Mr Bowen said.
"The ACCC will work with affected suppliers to improve stock management systems to allow them to meet the earlier deadline."
The regulations recognise the need to allow suppliers, including retailers, a reasonable time period to dispose of stock acquired.