ICC stresses need for wider perspective on plain-packaging

London, 10 August – At the end of a Department of Health consultation on the marketing of tobacco products, a major international business association has highlighted the need for policymakers to consider carefully some of the wider issues raised by “plain-packaging” proposals.

Since April the Government has been consulting on whether tobacco products should be sold in generic packs without branding or trademarks.

Andrew Wilson, Director of Policy at the International Chamber of Commerce in the UK (ICC UK), said: “There is certainly no attempt to downplay the important public health aims of the proposals, but it’s vital that there is a rational and evidence-based discussion around the potential impacts of plain-packaging legislation”.

“It’s wrong to characterise the plain-packaging debate as a battle between big tobacco and public health groups. The reality is that the proposals raise real concerns for business as a whole—and in doing so place a question mark next to the Government’s strategy to attract inward investment”.

In its response to the consultation, the ICC highlighted particular concerns about the potential impact of plain-packaging rules on international trade.

Mr Wilson added: “Plain-packaging requirements would likely breach a number of the UK’s international obligations—including important WTO intellectual property agreements”.

“The Coalition has rightly taken a robust stance against rising trade protectionism. It would be damaging if this position was undermined by domestic legislation at the margins of international law. The proposals need to be rethought on this basis in particular”.

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Notes to editors:

1. The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is a cross-sectoral business organisation which works to promote international trade, proportionate regulation and the rule of law.

2. Members in the UK include 17 of the top 20 FTSE companies, many other multinational firms, business associations and SMEs.

3. For media enquiries, please contact Dorothee Heinze at ICC UK on 020 7838 7458.