A distributor of a number of well-known tobacco brands says the Government cannot unilaterally introduce plain packaging on its products as a member of the EU.

Customs report major rise in seizures of contraband tobacco

The tobacco industry and a leading cancer charity have offered opposing verdicts on the success of the plain packaging of cigarettes, two years to the day since the measure was first introduced in Australia.

Reduced income as a result of the recession and high levels of government duty on a 20-pack of cigarettes is driving tobacco smuggling, according to manufacturers.