Position Paper to WTO in Germany's support of the Australian Tobacco Regulation
Dear Honorable delegates of the World Trade Organization,
Germany would like to first proclaim our support to the Australian confederation, and agree that tobacco should be packaged with health hazards. Insuring better health and safety are crucial beliefs and aid in improving the longevity of every citizen’s life span. However, as members of the World Trade Organization, we must enforce smooth trade among all nations.
Germany can speak from experience when we say that placing health warnings on cigarettes decreases consumer’s demand. In September 2004, the European Union issued similar laws and regulations to those proposed by Australia. All 27 countries of the European Union had to make sure tobacco companies placed health precautions on packaged cigarettes. This resulted in fewer people purchasing tobacco products because they believed the new labels made cigarettes less attractive and more injurious.
Over one billion people around the world are regular smokers, with 80% of those being from low to middle income countries. Tobacco is a major product of commerce in many countries around the world. By removing popular brand names, many people will no longer be drawn to cigarettes as the once had been. The supply of cigarettes will surely increase due to the low demand. Trade among nations will certainly be stunned and taken aback. Already we are dealing with disputes between Australia and Ukraine. Many countries support the tobacco labeling case, yet others continue to oppose it. Germany believes that if countries are to see eye to eye with one another and continue to trade peacefully, we must establish a compromise. We, the representatives of Germany, are suggesting that logos still be permitted, but still contain visible and easy to read health warnings. By doing this, we hope to follow the World Health Organization’s guidelines to ensure individual safety, as well as continuing peaceful trade among all nations.
Germany thanks you for your time.
Germany would like to first proclaim our support to the Australian confederation, and agree that tobacco should be packaged with health hazards. Insuring better health and safety are crucial beliefs and aid in improving the longevity of every citizen’s life span. However, as members of the World Trade Organization, we must enforce smooth trade among all nations.
Germany can speak from experience when we say that placing health warnings on cigarettes decreases consumer’s demand. In September 2004, the European Union issued similar laws and regulations to those proposed by Australia. All 27 countries of the European Union had to make sure tobacco companies placed health precautions on packaged cigarettes. This resulted in fewer people purchasing tobacco products because they believed the new labels made cigarettes less attractive and more injurious.
Over one billion people around the world are regular smokers, with 80% of those being from low to middle income countries. Tobacco is a major product of commerce in many countries around the world. By removing popular brand names, many people will no longer be drawn to cigarettes as the once had been. The supply of cigarettes will surely increase due to the low demand. Trade among nations will certainly be stunned and taken aback. Already we are dealing with disputes between Australia and Ukraine. Many countries support the tobacco labeling case, yet others continue to oppose it. Germany believes that if countries are to see eye to eye with one another and continue to trade peacefully, we must establish a compromise. We, the representatives of Germany, are suggesting that logos still be permitted, but still contain visible and easy to read health warnings. By doing this, we hope to follow the World Health Organization’s guidelines to ensure individual safety, as well as continuing peaceful trade among all nations.
Germany thanks you for your time.