In June 2017 we commented here, in respect of the WTO's
decision to uphold legislation in Australia which severely
restricted the advertisement of tobacco products on the ground that
the legislation qualified as a legitimate public health
measure.
We also indicated that we could expect the advent of new
legislation in South Africa which would likely follow suit in
prescribing stricter requirements for the advertisement of tobacco
products.
In a move that brings South Africa a step closer to that
reality, the Department of Health has invited public comment on the
Draft Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems
Bill, 2018 by 9 August 2018.
The objectives of the proposed legislation are stated as, inter
alia, "to regulate the packaging and appearance of tobacco
products and electronic delivery systems and to make provision for
the standardisation of their packaging."