Hungary looking at plain packaging and special levy

Hungary is considering the introduction of standardized packaging for tobacco products and the imposition of a special tax on tobacco companies, according to a story in Hungary Today.

A proposal on these matters is expected to be tabled in parliament later this year. But, according to the current plans, the construction of Budapest’s new hospital would be financed by a special tax levied upon tobacco companies.

Standardized tobacco packaging was implemented in Australia towards the end of 2012; Ireland and the UK are in the process of implementing standardized-packaging legislation; and some other countries are considering the introduction of such legislation.