Cigarette

== Legislation ==

=== Smoking restrictions ===
{{further|List of smoking bans}}
Many governments impose [[smoking ban|restrictions on smoking tobacco]], especially in public areas. The primary justification has been the negative health effects of [[second-hand smoke]].<ref name=second>[https://web.archive.org/web/20050906213831/http://www.who.int/tobacco/framework/WHO_FCTC_english.pdf WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control]; First international treaty on public health, adopted by 192 countries and signed by 168. Its Article 8.1 states, "Parties recognize that scientific evidence has unequivocally established that exposure to tobacco causes death, disease and disability."</ref> Laws vary by country and locality. Nearly all countries have laws restricting places where people can smoke in public, and over 40 countries have comprehensive smoke-free laws that prohibit smoking in virtually all public venues.

=== Smoking age ===
{{main|Smoking age}}

In the United States, the age to buy tobacco products is 21 in all states as of 2020.

Similar laws exist in many other countries. In Canada, most of the provinces require smokers to be 19 years of age to purchase cigarettes (except for [[Quebec]] and the [[Canadian Prairies|prairie provinces]], where the age is 18). However, the minimum age only concerns the purchase of tobacco, not use. [[Alberta]], however, does have a law which prohibits the possession or use of tobacco products by all persons under 18, punishable by a $100 fine. Australia, New Zealand, Poland, and Pakistan have a nationwide ban on the selling of all tobacco products to people under the age of 18.

[[File:Tabak-Trafik 12.2006.jpg|right|thumb|''Tabak-Trafik'' in Vienna: Since January 1, 2007, all [[cigarette machine]]s in Austria must attempt to verify a customer's age by requiring the insertion of a debit card or mobile phone verification.]]

Since October 1, 2007, it has been illegal for retailers to sell tobacco in all forms to people under the age of 18 in three of the [[United Kingdom|UK]]'s four constituent countries (England, Wales, [[Northern Ireland]], and Scotland), rising from 16. It is also illegal to sell [[lighter]]s, [[rolling paper]]s, and all other tobacco-associated items to people under 18. It is not illegal for people under 18 to buy or smoke tobacco, just as it was not previously for people under 16; it is only illegal for the said retailer to sell the item. The age increase from 16 to 18 came into force in Northern Ireland on September 1, 2008. In the Republic of Ireland, bans on the sale of the smaller 10-packs and confectionery that resembles tobacco products ([[candy cigarette]]s) came into force on May 31, 2007, in a bid to cut underaged smoking. In October 2023 it was announced that the government proposed introducing a ban on sales of cigarettes to anyone born after 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=Prime Minister to create 'smokefree generation' by ending cigarette sales to those born on or after 1 January 2009|date=October 4, 2023 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-to-create-smokefree-generation-by-ending-cigarette-sales-to-those-born-on-or-after-1-january-2009|access-date=14 February 2024}}</ref> 

Most countries in the world have a legal vending age of 18. In [[North Macedonia]], Italy, Malta, Austria, Luxembourg, and Belgium, the age for legal vending is 16. Since January 1, 2007, all [[cigarette machine]]s in public places in [[Germany]] must attempt to verify a customer's age by requiring the insertion of a [[debit card]]. Turkey, which has one of the highest percentage of smokers in its population,<ref name="NationMaster.com">{{cite web |url = http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/hea_tob_tot_adu_smo-health-tobacco-total-adult-smokers |title = Total adult smokers by country |access-date = June 4, 2008 |publisher = NationMaster.com |archive-date = June 7, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080607074448/http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/hea_tob_tot_adu_smo-health-tobacco-total-adult-smokers |url-status = live }}</ref> has a legal age of 18. [[Smoking in Japan|Japan is one of the highest tobacco-consuming nations]], and requires purchasers to be 20 years of age. Since July 2008, Japan has enforced this age limit at cigarette vending machines through use of the [[taspo]] [[smart card]]. In other countries, such as Egypt, it is legal to use and purchase tobacco products regardless of age.{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}} Germany raised the purchase age from 16 to 18 on September 1, 2007.

Some police departments in the United States occasionally send an underaged teenager into a store where cigarettes are sold, and have the teen attempt to purchase cigarettes, with their own or no ID. If the vendor then completes the sale, the store is issued a fine.<ref>[http://www.abc.state.va.us/licensing/downloads/underagebuyer.pdf] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326205920/http://www.abc.state.va.us/licensing/downloads/underagebuyer.pdf|date=March 26, 2009}}</ref> Similar enforcement practices are regularly performed by [[Trading Standards]] officers in the UK, [[Israel]], and <!-- the Gardaí Siochana, the police force of --> the Republic of Ireland.<ref name=BBCYouth>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/4205066.stm |title=UK &#124; England &#124; Bristol/Somerset &#124; Retailers sell tobacco to youths |work=BBC News |date=September 1, 2005 |access-date=March 25, 2012 |archive-date=March 13, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313151744/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/4205066.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Taxation ===
{{See also|Cigarette taxes in the United States}}
[[File:En.Wikipedia-VideoWiki-Price of cigarettes.webm|thumbtime=0:04|thumb|upright=1.8|Average price of cigarettes in USD in 2012 and 2014<ref name=OWID2020>{{cite journal |last1=Ritchie |first1=Hannah |last2=Roser |first2=Max |title=Smoking |url=https://ourworldindata.org/smoking#average-price-of-cigarettes |journal=Our World in Data |access-date=January 27, 2020 |date=May 23, 2013 |archive-date=February 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228160459/https://ourworldindata.org/smoking#average-price-of-cigarettes |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
Cigarettes are taxed both to reduce use, especially among youth, and to raise revenue. Higher prices for cigarettes discourage smoking. Every 10% increase in the price of cigarettes reduces [[youth smoking]] by about 7% and overall cigarette consumption by about 4%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tobaccofreekids.org/reports/prices/|title=Higher Cigarette Taxes|publisher=Tobaccofreekids.org|access-date=November 13, 2009|archive-date=September 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904183535/http://tobaccofreekids.org/reports/prices/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[World Health Organization|World Health Organization (WHO)]] recommends that globally cigarettes be taxed at a rate of three-quarters of cigarettes sale price as a way of deterring [[cancer]] and other negative health outcomes.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21728893-science-will-win-technical-battle-against-cancer-only-half-fight-closing|title=Closing in on cancer|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-date=September 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923033052/https://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21728893-science-will-win-technical-battle-against-cancer-only-half-fight-closing|url-status=live}}</ref>

Cigarette sales are a significant source of tax revenue in many localities. This fact has historically been an impediment for health groups seeking to discourage cigarette smoking, since governments seek to maximize tax revenues. Furthermore, some countries have made cigarettes a state monopoly, which has the same effect on the attitude of government officials outside the health field.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/tobacco/stories/asia.htm |title=U.S. Aided Cigarette Firms in Conquests Across Asia |work=Washingtonpost.com |date=November 17, 1996 |access-date=November 13, 2009 |archive-date=July 4, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704144106/http://washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/tobacco/stories/asia.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the United States, states are a primary determinant of the total tax rate on cigarettes. Generally, states that rely on tobacco as a significant farm product tend to tax cigarettes at a low rate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.taxadmin.org/FTA/rate/cigarett.html |title=State Excise Tax Rates On Cigarettes (January 1, 2007) |publisher=Taxadmin.org |access-date=November 13, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091109195142/http://www.taxadmin.org/FTA/rate/cigarett.html |archive-date=November 9, 2009 }}</ref> Coupled with the federal cigarette tax of $1.01 per pack, total cigarette-specific taxes range from $1.18 per pack in [[Missouri]] to $8.00 per pack in [[Silver Bay, New York|Silver Bay]], New York. As part of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, the federal government collects user fees to fund [[Food and Drug Administration|Food and Drug Administration (FDA)]] regulatory measures over tobacco.

===Fire-safe cigarette===
{{main|Fire-safe cigarette}}

Cigarettes are a frequent source of deadly fires in private homes, which prompted both the [[European Union]] and the United States to require cigarettes to be [[Fire safe cigarette|fire-standard compliant]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.lexpansion.com/economie/actualite-high-tech/les-cigarettes-anti-incendie-seront-obligatoires-en-2011_160019.html|access-date=January 2, 2010|title=Les cigarettes anti-incendie seront obligatoires en 2011|language=fr|quote=According to a study made by European union in 16 European countries, 11,000 fires were due to cigarettes between 2005 and 2007. They caused 520 deaths and 1600 injuries.|newspaper=[[L'Express]]|publisher=[[L'Expansion]]|agency=[[Agence France-Presse|AFP]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223214800/http://www.lexpansion.com/economie/actualite-high-tech/les-cigarettes-anti-incendie-seront-obligatoires-en-2011_160019.html|archive-date=February 23, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3540489,00.html|access-date=January 2, 2010|title=European Union Pushes for Self-Extinguishing Cigarettes|newspaper=[[Deutsche Welle]]|publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]]|archive-date=February 10, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210230045/http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3540489,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to Simon Chapman, a professor of public health at the University of Sydney, reduction of burning agents in cigarettes would be a simple and effective means of dramatically reducing the ignition propensity of cigarettes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3540489,00.html |title=European Union Pushes for Self-Extinguishing Cigarettes |publisher=Deutsche Welle |access-date=January 1, 2009 |archive-date=February 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210230045/http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3540489,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Since the 1980s, prominent cigarette manufacturers such as [[Philip Morris USA|Philip Morris]] and [[R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company|R.J. Reynolds]] have developed [[fire safe cigarettes]], but Phillip Morris was later the subject of a government lawsuit for allegedly hiding the even greater dangers associated with their brand of such cigarettes.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB108267528721891341 |last=O'Connell |first=Vanessa |date=April 23, 2004 |title=U.S. Suit Alleges Philip Morris Hid Cigarette-Fire Risk |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |access-date=February 24, 2019 |archive-date=April 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415184518/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB108267528721891341 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The burn rate of cigarette paper is regulated through the application of different forms of microcrystalline [[cellulose]] to the paper.<ref name=burnRatePatent>{{cite web |url=http://www.freepatentsonline.com/5263999.html |title=Smoking article wrapper for controlling burn rate and method for making same - Philip Morris Incorporated |publisher=Freepatentsonline.com |access-date=March 25, 2012 |archive-date=October 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004215504/http://www.freepatentsonline.com/5263999.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Cigarette paper has been specially engineered by creating bands of different porosity to create "fire-safe" cigarettes. These cigarettes have a reduced idle burning speed which allows them to self-extinguish.<ref name=safeburingCigarettes>{{cite web |url=http://firesafecigarettes.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=48&itemID=1190&URL=About%20fire-safe%20cigarettes/What%20is%20a%20fire-safe%20cigarette |title=NFPA :: Safety Information :: For consumers :: Causes :: Smoking :: Coalition for Fire-Safe Cigarettes |publisher=Firesafecigarettes.org |access-date=March 25, 2012 |archive-date=August 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816103154/http://firesafecigarettes.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=48&itemID=1190&URL=About%20fire-safe%20cigarettes/What%20is%20a%20fire-safe%20cigarette |url-status=live }}</ref> This fire-safe paper is manufactured by mechanically altering the setting of the paper slurry.<ref name=bandedPaperPatent>{{cite web |url=http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/5342484-fulltext.html |title=Method and apparatus for making banded smoking article wrappers - US Patent 5342484 Full Text |publisher=Patentstorm.us |access-date=March 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512113150/http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/5342484-fulltext.html |archive-date=May 12, 2008 }}</ref>

New York was the first U.S. state to mandate that all cigarettes manufactured or sold within the state comply with a fire-safe standard. Canada has passed a similar nationwide mandate based on the same standard. All U.S. states are gradually passing fire-safe mandates.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.firesafecigarettes.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=77&URL=Legislative%20updates/Adoptions |title=States that have passed fire-safe cigarette laws |publisher=Fire Safe Cigarettes |access-date=March 25, 2012 |archive-date=September 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923040102/http://www.firesafecigarettes.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=77&URL=Legislative%20updates/Adoptions |url-status=live }}</ref>

The European Union in 2011 banned cigarettes that do not meet a fire-safety standard. According to a study made by the European Union in 16 European countries, 11,000 fires were due to people carelessly handling cigarettes between 2005 and 2007. This caused 520 deaths with 1,600 people injured.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lexpansion.com/economie/actualite-high-tech/les-cigarettes-anti-incendie-seront-obligatoires-en-2011_160019.html |title=Les cigarettes anti-incendie seront obligatoires en 2011 |publisher=Lexpansion.com |language=fr |access-date=November 13, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223214800/http://www.lexpansion.com/economie/actualite-high-tech/les-cigarettes-anti-incendie-seront-obligatoires-en-2011_160019.html |archive-date=February 23, 2009 }}</ref>

=== Cigarette advertising ===
{{Main|Nicotine marketing{{!}}Tobacco advertising}}

Many countries have restrictions on cigarette advertising, promotion, sponsorship, and marketing. For example, in the Canadian provinces of [[British Columbia]], [[Saskatchewan]] and [[Alberta]], the retail store display of cigarettes is completely prohibited if persons under the legal age of consumption have access to the premises.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/a-legal-history-of-smoking-in-canada-1.982213 |title=A legal history of smoking in Canada |date=November 9, 2012 |access-date=December 29, 2014 |publisher=CBC News |quote=On Jan. 19, 2005, The Supreme Court of Canada rules that Saskatchewan can reinstate a controversial law that forces store owners to keep tobacco products behind curtains or doors. The so-called "shower curtain law" was passed in 2002 to hide cigarettes from children, but was struck down a year later by an appeals court. |archive-date=January 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101221608/http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/a-legal-history-of-smoking-in-canada-1.982213 |url-status=live }}</ref> In [[Ontario]], [[Manitoba]], [[Newfoundland and Labrador]], and [[Quebec]], Canada and the [[Australian Capital Territory]] the display of tobacco is prohibited for everyone, regardless of age, as of 2010. This [[retail display ban]] includes noncigarette products such as cigars and [[Blunt (cannabis)|blunt wraps]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/ontario-set-to-ban-cigarette-display-cases-1.290422 |title=Ontario set to ban cigarette display cases |date=April 20, 2008 |access-date=January 31, 2009 |publisher=CTV News |quote=The new ban prevents all tobacco products from being displayed in any way and prohibits customers from even touching them before they're paid for. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212065947/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080420/ont_cigs_080420 |archive-date=February 12, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hc-ps/consult/_2006/tob-ret/4-draft-ebauche-eng.php |title=A Proposal to Regulate the Display and Promotion of Tobacco and Tobacco-Related Products at Retail |publisher=Hc-sc.gc.ca |access-date=November 13, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607113117/http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hc-ps/consult/_2006/tob-ret/4-draft-ebauche-eng.php |archive-date=June 7, 2011 }}</ref>

=== Warning messages in packages ===
{{Main|Tobacco packaging warning messages}}

As a result of tight advertising and marketing prohibitions, tobacco companies look at the pack differently: they view it as a strong component in displaying brand imagery and a creating significant in-store presence at the point of purchase. Market testing shows the influence of this dimension in shifting the consumer's choice when the same product displays in an alternative package. Studies also show how companies have manipulated a variety of elements in packs designs to communicate the impression of lower in tar or milder cigarettes, whereas the components were the same.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}}

Some countries require cigarette packs to contain warnings about health hazards. The United States was the first,<ref name="nytimes 2010">{{cite news | newspaper= [[The New York Times]] | date= November 10, 2010 | last= Harris | first= Gardiner | title= F.D.A. Unveils Proposed Graphic Warning Labels for Cigarette Packs | url= https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/11/health/policy/11tobacco.html | access-date= February 24, 2017 | archive-date= February 28, 2017 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170228154939/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/11/health/policy/11tobacco.html | url-status= live }}</ref> later followed by other countries including Canada, most of Europe, Australia,<ref name="australia">Scollo, Michelle; Haslam, Indra (2008). [http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-12-tobacco-products/attachment-12-1-health-warnings A12.1.1.3 Pictorial warnings in force since 2006] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101030003331/http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-12-tobacco-products/attachment-12-1-health-warnings |date=October 30, 2010 }}. Tobacco in Australia. Cancer Council Victoria. Retrieved July 23, 2010.</ref> Pakistan,<ref name="pakistan">[http://www.dawn.com/news/1210407 Warning on cigarette pack] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601090014/http://www.dawn.com/news/1210407 |date=June 1, 2016 }}. Tobacco in Pakistan.</ref> India, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In 1985, Iceland became the first country to enforce graphic warnings on cigarette packaging.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1985-09-17/features/8502080902_1_abuse-dentists-iceland |title=Iceland Tough On Cigarettes – Sun Sentinel |publisher=Articles.sun-sentinel.com |date=September 17, 1985 |access-date=January 2, 2013 |archive-date=May 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524170034/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1985-09-17/features/8502080902_1_abuse-dentists-iceland }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Bardi |first=Jason |url=http://www.ucsf.edu/news/2012/11/13151/cigarette-pack-health-warning-labels-us-lag-behind-world |title=Cigarette Pack Health Warning Labels in US Lag Behind World |journal=Tobacco Control |volume=23 |issue=1 |pages=e2 |doi=10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2012-050541 |pmid=23092884 |pmc=3725195 |date=November 16, 2012 |access-date=January 2, 2013 |archive-date=December 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121202131737/http://www.ucsf.edu/news/2012/11/13151/cigarette-pack-health-warning-labels-us-lag-behind-world |url-status=live }}</ref> At the end of December 2010, new regulations from Ottawa increased the size of tobacco warnings to cover three-quarters of the cigarette package in Canada.<ref>Ottawa to increase size of tobacco warning to cover 3/4 of cigarette package https://vancouversun.com/health/Ottawa+increase+size+tobacco+warnings/4039002/story.html{{dead link|date=November 2016|bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> As of November 2010, 39 countries have adopted similar legislation.<ref name="nytimes 2010" />

In February 2011, the Canadian government passed regulations requiring cigarette packs to contain 12 new images to cover 75% of the outside panel and eight new health messages on the inside panel with full color.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vancouversun.com/health/Tobacco+warning+labels+appear+interior+exterior+package/4312065/story.html |access-date=February 19, 2011 |title=Story of a shattered life: A single childhood incident pushed Dawn Crey into a downward spiral &#124; Vancouver Sun |date=November 24, 2001 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

As of April 2011, Australian regulations require all packs to use a [[Pantone 448 C|bland olive green]] that researchers determined to be the least attractive color,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2013C00801/Html/Text#_Toc367282493|title=Tobacco Plain Packaging Regulations 2011|date=August 8, 2013|at=2.2.1 (2) & passim|website=Australian Government Federal Register of Legislation|access-date=March 29, 2018|archive-date=March 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330075938/https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2013C00801/Html/Text#_Toc367282493|url-status=live}}</ref> with 75% coverage on the front of the pack and all of the back consisting of graphic health warnings. The only feature that differentiates one brand from another is the product name in a standard color, position, font size, and style.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1121281/1/.html |title=Australia unveils tough new cigarette pack rules |publisher=Channel NewsAsia |date=April 7, 2011 |access-date=March 25, 2012 |archive-date=August 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830124748/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1121281/1/.html }}</ref> Similar policies have since been adopted in France and the United Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/worlds-ugliest-colour-revealed-pantone-448c-a7076446.html|title=The world's ugliest colour has been revealed|date=June 11, 2016|website=The Independent|access-date=June 19, 2016|archive-date=November 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129072906/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/worlds-ugliest-colour-revealed-pantone-448c-a7076446.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/new-tobacco-laws-comes-into-effect-with-standardised-green-packaging-and-no-menthol-cigarettes-a7038886.html#gallery|title=This new law could save your life|date=May 20, 2016|website=The Independent|access-date=June 19, 2016|archive-date=May 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527052831/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/new-tobacco-laws-comes-into-effect-with-standardised-green-packaging-and-no-menthol-cigarettes-a7038886.html#gallery|url-status=live}}</ref> In response to these regulations, [[Philip Morris International]], [[Japan Tobacco]] Inc., [[British American Tobacco]] Plc., and [[Imperial Brands|Imperial Tobacco]] attempted to sue the Australian government. On August 15, 2012, the High Court of Australia dismissed the suit and made Australia the first country to introduce brand-free [[plain tobacco packaging|plain cigarette packaging]] with health warnings covering 90 and 70% of back and front packaging, respectively. This took effect on December 1, 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-08-15/australia-top-court-upholds-tobacco-plain-packaging-legislation.html |title=Australia's Top Court Backs Plain-Pack Tobacco Laws |date=August 15, 2012 |work=Bloomberg |access-date=March 6, 2017 |archive-date=November 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113204349/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-08-15/australia-top-court-upholds-tobacco-plain-packaging-legislation.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Prohibition of tobacco===
A few countries have outlawed tobacco completely or made plans to do so. In 2004, [[Bhutan]] became the first country in the world to completely outlaw the cultivation, harvesting, production, and sale of tobacco and tobacco products. Enforcement of the prohibition increased with the passage of the [[Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan 2010]]. However, small allowances for personal possession are permitted as long as the possessors can prove that they have paid import duties.<ref>{{cite web |first=Gayatri |last=Parameswaran |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/09/201292095920757761.html |title=Bhutan smokers huff and puff over tobacco ban - Features |publisher=Al Jazeera English |access-date=January 2, 2013 |archive-date=January 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102163919/http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/09/201292095920757761.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Pitcairn Islands had previously banned the sale of cigarettes, but it now permits sales from a government-run store. The Pacific island of Niue hopes to become the next country to prohibit the sale of tobacco.<ref>{{cite news |last=Marks |first=Kathy |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/worlds-smallest-state-aims-to-become-the-first-smokefree-paradise-island-862977.html |title=World's smallest state aims to become the first smoke-free paradise island - Australasia - World |newspaper=The Independent |date=July 9, 2008 |access-date=January 2, 2013 |location=London |archive-date=November 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111230150/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/worlds-smallest-state-aims-to-become-the-first-smokefree-paradise-island-862977.html }}</ref> Iceland is also proposing banning tobacco sales from shops, making it prescription-only and therefore dispensable only in pharmacies on doctor's orders.<ref>{{cite news |first=Helen |last=Pidd |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/jul/04/iceland-considers-prescription-only-cigarettes |title=What a drag … Iceland considers prescription-only cigarettes &#124; World news |newspaper=The Guardian |date=July 4, 2011 |access-date=January 2, 2013 |location=London |archive-date=September 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930132047/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/jul/04/iceland-considers-prescription-only-cigarettes |url-status=live }}</ref> Singapore and the Australian state of Tasmania have proposed a 'tobacco free millennium generation initiative' by banning the sale of all tobacco products to anyone born in and after the year 2000. <!-- See: [[Smoking age]], [[Smoking bans in private vehicles]], [[Retail display ban]], [[Cigarette machine]]. -->
In March 2012, Brazil became the world's first country to ban all flavored tobacco including menthols. It also banned the majority of the estimated 600 additives used, permitting only eight. This regulation applies to domestic and imported cigarettes. Tobacco manufacturers had 18 months to remove the noncompliant cigarettes, 24 months to remove the other forms of noncompliant tobacco.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.who.int/fctc/implementation/news/news_brazil/en/index.html |title=WHO &#124; Brazil - Flavoured cigarettes banned |publisher=Who.int |date=March 13, 2012 |access-date=January 2, 2013 |archive-date=February 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130220124551/http://www.who.int/fctc/implementation/news/news_brazil/en/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://citizen.typepad.com/eyesontrade/2012/04/brazils-flavored-cigarette-ban-now-targeted.html |title=Eyes on Trade: Brazil's flavored cigarette ban now targeted |publisher=Citizen.typepad.com |date=April 16, 2012 |access-date=January 2, 2013 |archive-date=March 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307184104/http://citizen.typepad.com/eyesontrade/2012/04/brazils-flavored-cigarette-ban-now-targeted.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Under [[sharia|sharia law]], the [[Religious views on smoking#Sharia Law|consumption of cigarettes by Muslims is prohibited]].<ref>Dubai: The Complete Residents' Guide - Page 27, 2006</ref>