Tobacco producing countries will battle packs law

Tobacco producing nations are expected to challenge Ireland’s move to outlaw branded tobacco packaging, the new junior jobs minister has been warned by his department.

Ireland will likely face a constitutional challenge and complaints to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over the anti-smoking move, Ged Nash was told by his officials.

Countries and firms are watching events as it may dictate how governments legislate for other harmful goods such as alcohol and fats, officials say. Global tobacco giant Philip Morris also said this week it would sue Britain for £11bn if plain packaging for cigarettes is enforced there.