History of tobacco standardised packaging

This pages summaries the regulatory changes that took effect from 14 March 2018 and links to relevant documents.

Graphic images and warning messages

Image showing an example of plain packaging. In large font, the front of the package reads 'Smoking causes lung cancer'. It features a photo of a pair of damaged lungs clamped open. Under the image, in a smaller font, goes the brand name and variant. The number of cigarettes in the package goes in a small font in the corner. A more detailed warning is on the side of the package.A new set of 14 health warning messages and images have been prepared and will feature on the new tobacco packs. Seven of these images will rotated each year:

The timeline to standardised packaging

The Smoke-free Environments (Tobacco Plain Packaging) Amendment Bill had its first reading on 11 February 2014. See statement from Hon Tariana Turia on Beehive website.

It follows a decision in April 2012 by the Government to agree in principle to introduce a plain packaging regime in alignment with Australia pending the outcome of a public consultation process (published online: 23 July 2012). The public consultation closed on 5 October 2012 and Cabinet considered a report on the consultation on 18 February 2013. The Government decided to proceed with legislation (see statement on Beehive website). The resultant bill was lodged in December 2013 (see statement on Beehive website).

Background documents

Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products

Tobacco Plain Packaging: Approval for drafting

Smoke-free Environments (Tobacco Plain Packaging) Amendment Bill: Approval for introduction

Information that is not related to plain packaging has been removed from these documents.

Some information has been withheld under Official Information Act provisions. Where this has occurred it is noted in the papers next to the redaction.

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