Oz cigarette packs to lose stylish logos

Cigarette packs in Australia will no longer flaunt stylish logos, after its highest court on Wednesday dismissed a challenge from global manufacturers.

Cigarette packs in Australia will no longer flaunt stylish logos, after its highest court on Wednesday dismissed a challenge from global manufacturers.

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The country also called on the world to match its tough new anti-tobacco marketing law.

The decision means that from December 1, cigarettes and tobacco products must be sold in plain olive green packets with graphic health warnings, such as pictures of mouth cancer and other smoking-related illnesses.

Although the impact of Australia on their global business is small, the law could have a major effect if it is adopted as a precedent in other countries, especially the fast-growing economies that cigarette firms see as markets of the future.

The laws, which are in line with WHO recommendations, are being watched closely by countries including Britain, Norway, New Zealand, Canada and India.