A sharp cut in the duty-free tobacco allowance is just around the corner.

From November first the limit is to drop, from the current 200, to 50 cigarettes or grams of tobacco.

Customs New Zealand's Carolyn Tremain says anyone exceeding these limits will have to pay duty and GST on the excess or throw it out.

The gift concession is also being cut, meaning anyone sent tobacco from overseas will also have to pay duty and GST on the entire amount.