Travellers hoping to stock up on cheaper cigarettes are being reminded of the recent cut in the duty free allowance.

The drop, which came into effect on November 1, culled the allowance from 200 cigarettes to 50 cigarettes.

And already Customs has stockpiled more than 800 kilograms of tobacco and cigarettes from travellers unwilling to pay the excess duty.

Customs Minister Nicky Wagner says while most are aware of the new limit, it's timely to remind everyone of the change as the holiday season gets underway.