Mandatory pictures indicating the dangers of smoking are to be included on cigarette packages in Finland. The newspaper Kaleva writes that Social Services Minister Paula Risikko will sign a statute ordering the use of the images in the autumn.
The move is prompted by a decision from the European Commission in october 2004. The Commission has reviewed a selection of pictures of which the member states may choose which to place on cigarette packaging.
After that, the tobacco industry is expected to have a two-year transitional period before the use of the pictures will be mandatory on all cigarette packages on sale.
Outside Europe such pictures are in use in Thailand, Indonesia, and Canada.
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