THE European Union has raised concerns about moves to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes, at World Trade Organisation forums in Geneva.

The EU's concerns came to light as tobacco giant Philip Morris yesterday launched a legal challenge to the Gillard government's plan to introduce plain packaging, as revealed in The Australian yesterday. The court case exposes taxpayers to potential compensation claims independently estimated to run as high as $3 billion.

Health Minister Nicola Roxon…

Tobacco giant Philip Morris has threatened to sue the Australian government over its plan to introduce plain, brandless packing for cigarettes.

Australia's government has proposed to ban logos and branding on tobacco packaging.

Hong Kong-based Philip Morris Asia said the legislation violated an investment treaty between Australia and Hong Kong.

Philip Morris is the world's largest tobacco company.

The company said it had sent a legal notice to the Australian government setting a mandatory…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday June 21, 2011 announced the final 9 picture-based warnings that will appear on the top 50% of the front and back of cigarette packages.  The warnings include a toll-free quitline number.  As of Sept. 22, 2012, manufacturers will not be able to manufacture cigarettes without the new warnings on packaging, and as of Oct. 22, 2012, manufacturers will not be able to distribute cigarettes without the new warnings on packaging. 

Picture warnings…

Bolivia's Minister of Health & Sports issued a Regulation on May 25, 2011, which will require pictorial health warnings on all tobacco packages.

There will be 7 pictorial warnings printed on 50% of the front, and 50% of the back of all cigarette, cigar, and loose tobacco packages.

The new warnings must appear on packages 180 days after the government publishes the images in a national news publication.

To view the legislation documents and health warnings pictures click here.

ASH Australia has compiled a collection of recent innovations in packaging. New elements include stickers to help cover the health warnings, and new shapes and sizes. Browse through the pictures here.

IT WAS a long time coming - too long - but the federal Coalition is to be congratulated for declaring its support for the introduction of plain packaging of cigarettes in Australia. It appeared that the government would have been able to pass its legislation anyway, with the backing of the cross-benchers and some Liberal MPs who had vowed to follow their consciences and cross the floor of Parliament if their party had resolved to vote against the bill.

But it would have been an unsatisfactory…

Campaigners fume at new designer cigarette - The Northern Echo
June 1, 2011
Barry Nelson

CAMPAIGNERS, MPs and a leading doctor in the region have criticised a cigarette manufacturer for what they claim is a "scheming, calculating and cynical" approach to targeting young women.

The launch of the super slim cigarettes has been branded outrageous and disgraceful.

But the tobacco manufacturer behind the product hit back last night, claiming it was not trying to encourage anyone to take up…