The much delayed law requiring uniform packaging with standardised branding for tobacco products will take effect 30 September, the Health Ministry said.

Stock manufactured prior to 30 September may be sold for one year, the ministry said. The plain packaging law was passed in 2015 and was to have taken effect the following May. Plain packs are a key part of the programme to reduce the country’s smoking rate to less than 5 per cent by 2025.
“The tobacco pack is the last advertising medium for the tobacco industry in Ireland and so is a critically important form of promotion,” said Minister of State Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, who signed the order of commencement. “Standardised packaging is the next step in tackling the promotion and advertising of tobacco. There is strong evidence emerging from Australia, that introducing standardised packaging is both effective and proportionate in reducing the toll of tobacco use on the population. Australia in 2012 became the first country to introduce plain packaging.