Japan Tobacco International (JTI), manufacturers of the Silk Cut and Benson & Hedges brands, have said that the proposal for a revised Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), "has been negotiated "with little consideration given to the effectiveness of the numerous measures and the cost entailed for EU Member States and businesses."
John Freda, General Manager, JTI Ireland, described the proposals, which were revealed yesterday, as being "pushed by political agendas," adding that "policies that are not supported by strong evidence and that do not consider market dynamics are bound to fail – they do not deliver any public health benefits."
Among the measures being put forward include increasing health warnings to 65% of the pack, with pictures positioned at the top of the pack, and standardizing the pack shape and size (minimum of 20 cigarettes per pack and 30 grams for roll-your-own tobacco).
“The more complex and innovative the packaging is, the more difficult it is to counterfeit. Simply put, these restrictions will give counterfeiters a blueprint on how to fake a pack”, Freda added.
JTI also noted that proposals to ban cigarette categories, such as menthol cigarettes, 'is not based on any sound evidence. If consumers are unable to find their preferred products through legal channels, smugglers will make sure they are available from the boot of their car'.
© 2013 - Checkout Magazine by Stephen Wynne-Jones
