SA to follow Australia by trying to ban brand names on tobacco

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Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motswaledi, says South Africa will follow Australia's example by trying to ban the display of brand names on tobacco products.

On Wednesday the Australian High Court ruled that the measures did not breach the country's constitution.

New regulations stipulate that from the First of December, tobacco products should be sold in drab, uniform packaging with graphic health warnings.

Four companies had challenged the law, claiming it infringed their intellectual property rights and was unconstitutional.

However, the court rejected the argument.

Australian Attorney General Nicola Roxon said Britain, Canada and New Zealand are considering similar measures, and that China, South Africa and the European Union had followed the case with interest.