France’s Health Minister Marisol Touraine has said the government is planning to introduce legislation to ban cigarette brands if they included “elements contributing to the promotion of tobacco or give an erroneous impression of certain characteristics”, according to a story in The Local relayed by the TMA.
The daily Le Figaro was quoted as saying that such a measure could hurt brands such as Gitanes, Gauloises, Marlboro Gold, Vogue, Lucky Strike and Fortuna Four.
The daily noted that while the directive was ‘somewhat vague’, any cigarette brand suggesting ‘masculinity or femininity, slimness, youth, or sociability’ could be affected. Meanwhile, Seita, Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco, and Japan Tobacco International have reportedly contacted France’s Prime Minister seeking clarity on the potential new law, calling for an urgent meeting to clarify the details.
The changes could well come in with a new health code article that is due to be published shortly.