Our policy on standardised packaging for tobacco
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On May 2016, standardised tobacco packaging was introduced across the UK. Following the removal of point of sale tobacco displays from shops, these measures will help end misleading tobacco marketing.
After a long campaign standardised packaging was introduced across the UK from May 2016. Two-thirds of people who smoke start by the age of 18 - the beginning of an addiction that will kill up to 2 in 3 long-term users. Standardised packaging of tobacco products will protect children from a deadly addiction and save lives. We are currently investing in research to evaluate the impact of standardised packaging in the UK.
Research shows that standard packs reduce the appeal of tobacco products to children and help demonstrate the realities of smoking by increasing the prominence of graphic health warnings. The introduction of standardised packaging in May 2016 follows the removal of point of sale tobacco displays from all shops in April 2015. Tobacco displays reinforce the social norms of smoking among young people.
Related documents
Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products (April 2015)
Point of Sale Tobacco Displays (April 2015)
Standardised Packaging: Overview (January 2015) - briefing
Standardised Packaging: Overview (January 2015) - references
Smuggling, the tobacco industry, and plain [standard] packs (November 2012) - executive summary
Smuggling, the tobacco industry, and plain [standard] packs (November 2012) - full report
Tobacco packaging written by the Centre for Tobacco Control Research (March 2012) - full report