Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/550304
tobaccoasia 43 Emerging local and global legislation in the Tobacco industry places an increased focus on product identifi cation. We have a complete range of coding and marking technology for printing packs, car tons and master cases to help you become compliant with any emerging legislation. Domino has built up unparalleled exper tise in this market and is the preferred supplier to the world's leading Tobacco manufacturers and Original Equipment Manufacturers. Visit us at ProTobEx stand D22 www.domino-printing.com Coding and marking for product identification ing. Member states may of course go further and implement plain packaging if they so wish." The agreed text will be debated and put to votes in the Health Committee and the plenary this year. Japan Tobacco International (JTI)'s head of EU affairs Ben Townsend said, "The TPD has been negotiated hastily, pushed by political agen- das, with little consideration given to the effec- tiveness of the numerous measures and the cost entailed for EU member states and businesses. Policies that are not supported by strong evi- dence and that do not consider market dynamics are bound to fail – they do not deliver any public health benefits." JTI echoed common views that "Many of the measures of the revised TPD are disproportion- ate and are a threat to the internal market from an innovation, competition, consumer choice and cross-border trade standpoint. "Thousands of businesses – wholesalers, re- tailers, packaging suppliers to name but a few – are going to need additional time to absorb these radical changes." Other measures that were criticized included the standardization of packaging in terms of shape and size, which will confuse retailers and consum- ers, making it difficult for them to distinguish brands. It will also make it easier for counterfeiters to produce and sell cheap cigarettes that are not regulated, not tested, and not taxed. Townsend added, "The more complex and in- novative the packaging is, the more difficult it is to counterfeit. Simply put, these restrictions will give counterfeiters a blueprint on how to fake a pack" Voting in the European Parliament must take place in the Strasbourg HQ