Plain Packaging Doesn’t Deter French Smokers

New figures show an increase in the number of smokers despite efforts by the French government to stamp out smoking.

May 03, 2017

PARIS – Despite the government’s attempts to snuff out smoking, the French are still lighting up in large numbers, The Local reports. This January, France barred branded cigarettes, moving to plain packaging. However, more cigarettes have been bought compared to a year ago, according to the French Customs Office.

For example, in March, French residents snapped up 4 million cigarette packs—a more than 4% hike over the same period in 2016. During the first four months of 2017, more than 1% more tobacco products were shipped into France than a year ago.

However, French health officials have not ascribed any significance to the rising figures. “The neutral packet is aimed at changing tobacco’s image and is principally aimed at younger people. Its impact on consumption will only become apparent in the medium or long term future,” read a statement from the Health Ministry's General Directorate of Health. “Most current tobacco consumers are already dependent and the change in packaging alone will not encourage them to stop smoking, even if it can contribute to this.”

The French government reimbursed tobacco sellers and firms about €100 million for the loss of 15 million branded cigarettes no longer sellable.

Late last year, a U.K. court of appeals ruled in favor of the country’s mandatory plain packaging rule for cigarettes. In Australia, the illicit cigarette market has exploded in the four years since the country switched to plain packaging. Canada is also considering a plain packaging mandate, which retailers and tobacco firms are fighting.

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