New warning rules on fags deferred until 28 March

Implementation of new warning rules to be depicted in tobacco packaging has been deferred until 28 March.

When the case on the issue was taken up yesterday before the Supreme Court, an undertaking was given by the Deputy Solicitor General who appeared on behalf of the Minister of Health, that the regulations will not come into operation until case is mentioned in the Supreme Court and further steps are taken on 28 March 2013.

In view of the said undertaking, the company is not required to comply with the regulations on 1 March 2013. The company will continue to manufacture and distribute its products as usual in the existing packaging.

The Tobacco Products (Labelling and Packaging) Regulations published by the Minister of Health in Gazette Extraordinary No. 1770/15 dated 8 August 2012 required printing pictorial health warnings on cigarette packs covering 80% of the pack surface, disclosure of emissions and constituents in three languages, printing date of manufacture and removal of descriptors.

The regulations were subsequently amended and were due to come into force on 1 March 2013.

CTC challenged the regulations in a writ application filed in the Court of Appeal. On 22 February 2013, the Court of Appeal refused CTC’s application for an interim order staying the implementation of the regulations. CTC appealed to the Supreme Court in Case No. SC/Spl/LA 26/2013 against that decision.

As a responsible corporate citizen, CTC said it is always compliant with all existing laws and regulations in the country. “As a legitimate entity providing quality tobacco products to adult consumers, and a significant contributor to the national economy, the company advocates balanced regulations and aspires its voice at deliberations impacting the industry,” CTC said in a statement.