During the past three weeks the Revenue Protection Division has been carrying out an investigation into the importation of cigarettes. The investigation has shown that cigarettes are being smuggled into the Island and are being imported in contravention of the Marks Act. This Act, which was amended in August 1993, clearly states that each pack of cigarettes offered for sale in Jamaica must bear the advice of the Chief Medical Officer that SMOKING IS DANGEROUS TO HEALTH, the classification of tar e.g. MIDDLE TAR, the amount of tar e.g. TAR 14 mg and the level of nicotine e.g. NICOTINE 1.1 mg.

Where the R.P.D. has found cigarettes which have been smuggled and/or contravene the Marks Act, those cigarettes have been held in the stores for examination by the Bureau of Standards. In each case the Bureau of Standards have decided to destroy the cigarettes and not permit their retail in Jamaica. This information is passed to all retailers and wholesalers of cigarettes. Further checks will be carried out and cigarettes found to be smuggled or to be in contravention of the Marks Act will be seized and consequently destroyed.

All retailers or wholesalers of cigarettes

should therefore ensure that the correct marks are on the cigarette packets and they should only purchase from known and reputable packets and importers and should in each case ensure that they obtain a proper invoice and receipt in respect of the cigarettes they purchase. Any further information can be obtained from the Intelligence Unit at the R.P.D. Telephone No. 938-1804. The Training Branch of the Tax Administration Services Department (TASD) now occupies a new home. The approximately 700 sq. metres facility is located on the sixth (6th) floor of the Office Centre Building, 12 Ocean Boulevard, Kingston.