Trade Problems Ahead with Plain Pack Proposal

media release
For Immediate Release: 5 September 2012

Trade Problems Ahead with Plain Pack Proposal

New Zealand has a strong trading reputation and the Government’s tobacco plain packaging proposal puts that reputation at risk says British American Tobacco New Zealand (BATNZ).

BATNZ is running a major information campaign designed to raise public awareness about some of the adverse effects of the Government’s plain packaging plans. “Our campaign raises the proposition that if New Zealand doesn’t respect international brands, why should other nations respect ours?” says Steve Rush, General Manager, BATNZ.

“Australia introduced plain packaging of tobacco and is now the subject of World Trade Organisation challenges from several countries. Furthermore, a number of other countries, including some of New Zealand’s trading partners, have expressed serious concerns about plain packaging. The concern is that the Government’s plain packaging proposal could run counter to the trade treaties to which New Zealand is a party.

“New Zealand has signed a number of international trade agreements which are very clear about the need to protect intellectual property. It is important that these trade principles are applied consistently,” says Mr Rush.

ends

© Scoop Media