the government has agreed on a principle to remove branding from packets, but will discuss with the public first. imperial tobacco mentions introducing plain packaging on cigarettes will make it easier for criminals to begin black market cigarettes. brendan walker, spokesperson of imperial tobacco, told that plain packaging is unnecessary and unjustified. according to him, the plain packaging designs will be easily replicated by criminals, who will produce cigarettes overseas and then smuggle them into new zealand. mr walker also mentioned that australia experienced a boost in illegal cigarettes after bringing in other regulations, such as display bans, and lifting excise taxes. sixty tones of tobacco were detained in one consignment. he mentioned the industry will find out its legal options if the government attempts to introduce plain packaging. mr walker mentioned that enforced plain packaging of cigarettes should be an alarm for all businesses. for imperial&39s business, branding is crucial, and he mentioned that if it is removed, the proposed law may soon apply to other products, as well. imperial tobacco is one of those three companies that lead the cigarette market in new zealand. it has recently expanded its petone factory. its profits increased to 21 million last year, driven by a 16 boost in sales. source of information httpwww.radionz.co.nznewsnational107762plainpackagingwilhelpblackmarkettoba…
