The State Government is investigating whether illicit tobacco products seized in South Australia could contain dangerous levels of toxic metals after research out of New Zealand found the cigarettes contained elevated levels of several harmful substances.
University of Auckland researchers found concentrations of the cancer-causing heavy metal cadmium were up to 60 per cent higher in illicit tobacco products than in legitimate products.
The study also identified unusual levels of metals including tin, lead, indium, caesium and uranium, raising further concerns about the unknown contents of tobacco products sold through illegal channels.
The Double Happiness products tested in New Zealand have also been previously seized in South Australia.
In response to the findings, the State Government has asked Preventive Health SA to determine whether scientific testing of illicit tobacco products seized in South Australia could be undertaken to assess whether similar contaminants are present locally.
The research comes as South Australia continues to lead the nation in tobacco prevention, tobacco control and enforcement activity.
South Australia's daily smoking rate has fallen to a record low of 7.5 per cent in 2025, down from 10.6 per cent in 2020, placing the state on track to achieve its target of reducing smoking prevalence to six per cent by next year.
Despite this progress, tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease. Approximately two in every three people who smoke are likely to die from smoking-related illness.
While most South Australians who smoke purchase legal and regulated products, the illicit tobacco market remains a significant concern.
To further strengthen enforcement efforts, more than $3 million in Federal funding is being rolled out by Preventive Health SA to disrupt illicit tobacco trade and respond to localised enforcement challenges.
South Australia's efforts in tackling illicit tobacco have recently been recognised nationally, with the Australian Council on Smoking & Health (ACOSH) rating the state as "way out ahead" on the National Illicit Tobacco Ladder, which assesses jurisdictional efforts to combat illegal tobacco trade.
Most notably, South Australia remains the only state in Australia to ban online tobacco sales, strengthening supply chain controls and helping protect young people from accessing tobacco products.
Preventive Health SA Chief Executive Marina Bowshall said that it was pleasing to see the rate of smoking decreasing in South Australia.
"There is no safe level of tobacco consumption, and the best health advice is to avoid tobacco and nicotine products completely," Ms Bowshall said.
"With two in three smokers likely to die from preventable diseases caused from their unhealthy habit, we are taking proactive action to save lives and improve the health and wellbeing of all South Australians.
"We're continuing to look at ways to use the latest evidence and expert advice to further reduce the rates of smoking and vaping in our community and reduce the illicit tobacco market in South Australia."
South Australians looking to quit smoking or vaping can access free support through Quitline, including free nicotine replacement therapy such as patches, gum, lozenges and sprays, along with personalised support from trained counsellors.
More information is available on the Preventive Health SA tobacco and vaping webpage (external site) . South Australians can also report suspected illicit tobacco sales to Consumer and Business Services. (external site)
