Singapore: Plain packaging will be mandatory from July 1, 2020
June 29, 2020
Par: chef-projet@dnf.asso.fr
Dernière mise à jour: June 29, 2020
Temps de lecture: 3 minutes
Considered one of the strictest tobacco control countries, Singapore is following in the footsteps of other countries that have implemented plain packaging. First announced on October 31, 2018, standardized tobacco packaging will come into effect on July 1, 2020. This initiative will apply to all tobacco products, such as cigarettes, rolling tobacco, cigarillos, cigars, beedies (cone-shaped Indian cigarettes), and ang hoon. [1].
Plain packaging adopted to help Singaporeans reduce tobacco consumption
Tobacco packages sold after July 1 will be devoid of any promotional logo, color, or image. Only health warning messages will be displayed, in a standard color and font style. In addition, the minimum size of graphic warnings, mandatory since 2004, will increase from 50% to 75%.
From 1 July 2019, following the announcement of this new measure and to ensure the effectiveness of its entry into force, the Singaporean government allowed tobacco wholesalers and retailers to benefit from a transition period, spread over 12 months, to be able to gradually sell off their stocks.[2].
Supporter of anti-smoking measures
The country hopes that the implementation of this new measure will discourage initiation to tobacco products and limit consumer attraction by removing all forms of advertising. Furthermore, to curb tobacco use among Singaporeans, the city-state had decided to pass an amendment to adjust the minimum legal age required for tobacco use. The minimum legal age increased to 20 years on January 1, 2020, and will increase to 21 years next year.[3]Smoking is also banned in most public spaces, carrying a fine of up to 1,000 Singapore dollars (650 euros), and e-cigarettes are prohibited.
Singapore has a higher male smoking rate than Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Every year, more than 2,000 Singaporeans die prematurely from smoking-related diseases.
Thailand was the first country in Asia to implement this plain packaging rule.[4]. Let us hope that neighboring ASEAN countries will follow suit.
