Sixteen separate graphic warnings, such as a cancer-infected mouth of an emaciated cancer-stricken woman, will cover 75% of the front and back of Canada’s cigarette packaging.

However, unlike Australia’s legislation, companies will still be allowed to use their long-established trademarks and logos to differentiate their products from the competition.

Retailers across Canada will have until June 2012 to comply, beating the Australian timetable by around two weeks.

Canada’s Minister of Health, Leona Aglukkaq, said: “Our government has followed through on its commitment to introduce new, stronger labelling requirements on key tobacco products.

“The new Tobacco Act regulations will put new, updated health warnings and information into the hands of millions of smokers.”


Australia

In Australia, tobacco companies have threatened to sue the government if plain packaging legislation is passed, saying the removal of branding contravenes international trade obligations.

If passed, all cigarette brands in Australia will be sold in olive green packaging with graphic warnings from July 2012.