From: BBC
Tobacco companies are warning of an increase in smuggling if the UK passes a law removing branding from cigarette packets. This is what happened when Australia shifted to plain packaging in 2012, it’s been reported, and the biggest rise was found in sales of brands known as “illicit whites”. Elle Metz asks why.
The most popular illegally sold cigarette brand in Australia is called Manchester, according to a 2013 study by KPMG. It’s not a counterfeit – it’s not designed to resemble a cigarette manufactured by a different company – but the packet is made to look entirely traditional.
“A rich blend of the finest tobacco result in this smooth and satisfying flavour,” reads the blurb on its packages.
“Manufactured under authority from J.S.S. Tobacco Ltd. London – United Kingdom.”
The grammar is not perfect, perhaps, but otherwise the packet looks smart. It even carries a health warning.
Experts had predicted that the new rules would lead to a sharp increase in counterfeit cigarette sales – after all, plain packaging is easy to imitate.
Instead the main beneficiaries were these “illicit whites” – cigarettes that may be produced legally but are “typically not sold legally anywhere and are often made exclusively for smuggling”, as KPMG puts it.
