Statement by Philip Morris New Zealand on announcement of tobacco plain packaging consultation

“Philip Morris New Zealand will be submitting its detailed views on plain packaging for tobacco products as part of the public consultation. These views include that plain packaging will not reduce smoking rates, will trigger a variety of adverse consequences and violates numerous international laws and trade treaties.

This is demonstrated by the fact that plain packaging recently passed in Australia and is now subject to three different types of legal action, including complaints from two countries to the World Trade Organization (WTO). In addition, some 21 other countries have voiced concerns about the policy.

The legislation in Australia also met strong opposition from retailers, particularly over the likelihood that plain packaging will boost the illegal, unregulated market for smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes.”

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