Singapore: Plain packaging to 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 countries in tobacco control, Singapore is following in the footsteps of other countries that have implemented plain packaging. First announced on 31 October 2018, standardised packaging for tobacco products will come into effect from 1 July 2020. The move will apply to all tobacco products, including 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 1 July will be devoid of any promotional logo, colour or image. Only health warning messages will be displayed, in a standard colour and font style. In addition, the minimum size of graphic warnings that have been mandatory since 20041 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 new measure will discourage initiation to tobacco products and limit the appeal of consumers by removing all forms of advertising. In addition, to curb tobacco use among Singaporeans, the city-state had decided to pass an amendment to adjust a minimum legal age required for tobacco use. The minimum legal age was raised to 20 on January 1, 2020 and will increase to 21 next year.[3]Smoking is also banned in most public spaces, with a fine of up to 1,000 Singapore dollars (650 euros), and e-cigarettes are prohibited.
Singapore has a higher rate of male smoking 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 the plain packaging rule.[4]. Hopefully, neighbouring ASEAN countries will follow suit.
