Judgments in Cases C-358/14 Poland v Parliament and Council C-477/14 Pillbox 38(UK) Limited v Secretary of State for Health and C-547/14 Philip Morris Brands SARL and Others v Secretary of State for Health

The European Court of Justice decided on 4 May 2016 that the EU directive on tobacco products is valid, including the extensive standardisation of packaging, the future EU-wide prohibition on menthol cigarettes and the special rules for electronic cigarettes.

According to the court's decision, the directive, adopted in 2014, seeks to facilitate the smooth functioning of the internal market for tobacco and related products, taking as a base a high level of protection of human health and to meet the obligations of the European Union under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Advocate General’s Opinions in Cases C-358/14 Poland v Parliament and Council, C-477/14 Pillbox 38 (UK) Limited, and C-547/14 Philip Morris Brands SARL and Others http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-advocate-generals-opinions-in-cases-c-358-14-poland-v-parliament-and-council-c-477-14-pillbox-38-uk-limited-and-c-547-14-philip-morris-brands-sarl-and-others/

EUObserver, 04.05.16: Menthol cigarette ban is valid, says EU court https://euobserver.com/institutional/133338

The Wall Street Journal, 04.05.16: EU Court Backs Tough New Antismoking Law http://www.wsj.com/articles/eu-court-backs-tough-new-antismoking-law-1462351776#:ylIakkqTqJW-OA

Deutsche Welle, 04.05.16: European Court of Justice rules against big tobacco http://dw.com/p/1IhVE

BBC News, 04.05.16: EU upholds tough rules on tobacco packaging http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36200778

ESO: Background information: Ombudsman regrets Commission stance on UN tobacco lobbying rules http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-ombudsman-regrets-commission-stance-on-un-tobacco-lobbying-rules/

EurActiv, 04.05.16: EU court upholds new tobacco laws on packaging, menthol cigarettes http://www.euractiv.com/section/health-consumers/news/eu-court-upholds-new-tobacco-laws-on-packaging-menthol-cigarettes/

EurActiv, 20.05.16: EU health chief compares tobacco deaths with terrorism http://www.euractiv.com/section/health-consumers/news/eu-health-chief-compares-impact-of-tobacco-industry-to-isis-attacks/

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