Oral tobacco or “gutka” is commonly sold in India and Pakistan. Today the use of gutka amongst Indian and Pakistani communities in NZ is increasing as more migrants settle here, particularly in Auckland. There are currently about 63,000 Indians and Pakistanis residing in the Auckland region.

Oral tobacco is banned under the Smoke-free Environments Act. Anyone who imports, sells, packs or distributes chewing or oral tobacco products commit an offence and is liable for a fine of up to $10,000. Personal use is not covered by the ban.

Chewing tobacco is linked to oral cancer. Continued supply and use increases the risk of greater burden on the health system and that oral tobacco will be taken up by other sectors of the community.

Strategy:

Smokefree Enforcement Officers use a range of strategies to ensure supply and use of oral tobacco complies with legislation. 1) Controlled Purchase or “sting” Operations with retailers who sell “under the counter” 2) Liaison with Customs and MAF to ensure travellers are not bringing gutka into NZ in large quantities 3) Community education via Indian radio and newspapers detailing the restrictions on importation, sale and supply and on the harmful effects of using gutka 4) Links with overseas Smokefree agencies

Conclusion: Two successful prosecutions, with one more in progress. Issues still to resolve: 1) Currently confusion over roles of Customs and MAF officers versus Smokefree Enforcement. 2) Importation happening via courier and travellers bringing for their personal use 3) Wording of legislation and labelling of product