On 31 May of 2009, the General Administration of Customs issued Statement No. 27 of 2009, to adjust the import VAT on cigars and cigarettes.
 
According to the statement, products with HS code 24021000 can benefit from a 4% VAT decrease to a new rate of 36%. However, products with HS codes 24022000 and 24029000 will have to pay 6% to 11% additional VAT to a new rate of 36% and 56%, depending on the import market price and volume. The new policy will come into effect on 1 June 2009.