Ukraine took its plain-packaging complaints against Australia to the World Trade Organisation by asking Australia for consultations, the first step in the WTO dispute settlement process.

The request was filed 13 March, the WTO said in a statement. The dispute settlements system allows up to 60 days for the consultations. Failure to reach a settlement would open the door to the next step, which is to request a ruling by a WTO panel.
Australia plans to require tobacco companies to produce a standard olive-brown cigarette pack beginning in December. Branding also will be standardised and space devoted to anti-smoking messages will be expanded. (pi)