The government says it's confident its new rules requiring plain packaging for cigarette and tobacco packets will be able to go ahead following a World Trade Organisation case.
The World Trade Organisation is reported to have upheld Australia's plain packaging laws for cigarettes. Photo: AFP / Australian government
The American tobacco company Philip Morris took the Australian government to the WTO over similar legislation.
Bloomberg reports the WTO has upheld the Australian laws although a formal announcement of the decision isn't expected until July.
The New Zealand government has been backing the Australians in the case, and gave evidence at a hearing in Geneva.
Associate Health Minister Nicky Wagner said plain packaging would reduce the appeal of tobacco products and the desirability of smoking.
She said the government was committed to the goal of making New Zealand smokefree by 2025.
