Imperial Tobacco Opposes Canada’s Plain Packaging Law

According to a compiled report by Tobacco Journal News, Imperial Tobacco Canada says a proposal to introduce plain cigarette packaging in Canada would encourage the illicit cigarette trade.

On August 31, Imperial Tobacco submitted a written filing to Health Canada detailing its opposition to the government’s proposal for plain tobacco packaging.

The government announced on May 31 its intention to introduce plain tobacco packaging legislation, and launched a three-month public consultation period on the same day.

Tamara Gitto, vice president of legal and external affairs, said, “Our reasons are both clear and straightforward: the government’s consultation and legislative process is flawed. The proposed legislation is full of problems, and plain packaging will only accelerate the already existing illicit tobacco market.”

In a media statement, Imperial Tobacco said Canada is already facing a contraband tobacco crisis, with illegal products accounting for nearly 20% of the market. It said plain packaging would increase illicit trade, something it claims has already been proven in Australia.

In addition, the company believes plain packaging amounts to the effective expropriation of intellectual property and violates freedom of expression, which is also one of the most fundamental rights under the Canadian Constitution.

Gitto said, “If the government is truly concerned about Canadians’ health, it should recognize the harm reduction potential of vaping products and introduce clear regulations for these products.”