Good morning, and welcome to The Briefing.
The World Trade Organisation has upheld Australia’s right to restrict cigarette packaging, which the tobacco industry fears will prompt plain packaging laws worldwide.
While the decision is not yet public, Bloomberg reports that both parties in the dispute have been notified of the result. Tobacco companies originally complained to the WTO in 2012, arguing that plain packaging laws violate international trade requirements by unfairly restricting the use of trademarks. Bloomberg understands that the WTO dispute settlement panel has ruled that plain packaging is a valid public health measure, setting a precedent that could embolden other countries to restrict packaging on cigarettes, alcohol and fast food.
Alex McKinnon, The Saturday Paper
