IAA’s European Chapters oppose EU’s idea of plain packaging for smokes

International Advertising Association’s 20 European Chapter oppose EU’s idea of introducing plain or generic packaging for smokes.

According to a letter submitted to European Union during a public consultation,iaaexplains that the organization always advocated the freedom of commercial speech and defends a responsible communications industry against unwarranted advertising and marketing bans and restrictions.

The plain packaging proposal is rising questions and reservations that needs to be addressed, writes IAA, that also mentions that brand differentiation exists to facilitate consumer choice, information and convenience. Also, a plain packaging will confuse the consumers, but will not discourage smoking.

IAA also mention that plain packaging limits the ability to brand, to differentiate and to compete on the market and the proposal is equivalent to a restriction of trade.