Imperial Tobacco Opposes Canada's Plain Tobacco Packaging Law

According to a report compiled by Tobacco Journal News, in response to a proposal to implement plain cigarette packaging in Canada, Imperial Tobacco Canada argues that the move would fuel the illicit cigarette trade.

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

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

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 illegal 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 added that plain packaging would increase illicit trade, something it says has already been proven in Australia.

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

Gitto said, “If the government truly cares about the health of Canadians, it should recognize the harm reduction potential of e-cigarettes and introduce clear regulations for these products instead.”