10/06/2020 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 9 June, the Appellate Body (AB) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) confirmed that Australia's requirement for neutral packaging for cigarettes and cigars (logo-free olive green packs with health warnings), the purpose of which is to limit their appeal, was legitimate. A number of tobacco-producing countries had lodged complaints against this law with the WTO, on the grounds that it would adversely affect their business activities. John Clarke, Director of International Affairs in the European Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture, tweeted that the AB's decision was welcomed in the EU because it “demonstrates that trade rules do not restrict legitimate and non-discriminatory health policies”. To read the decision, go to: https://bit.ly/37pLcmM (HD)