Legal issues concerning plain packaging of tobacco products and implications for Turkey
Abstract
This thesis aims to consider the Turkish legislation that introduced plain
packaging in Turkey, by using the implications derived from the landmark cases mounted
against similar measures of other jurisdictions, namely Australia and Uruguay. This thesis
is comprised of an introduction, three separate chapters, and a conclusion.
In the first chapter, it discusses what is plain packaging and how it emerged within
the context of tobacco control policies. The reasons underlying the adoption of this
measure are explained by providing the purposes it achieves to serve. Then, as an
important milestone in global tobacco control policies, as well as a foundation for plain
packaging, it explores the FCTC and its relevant guidelines.
The second chapter first explores the Australian plain packaging legislation and
three legal challenges mounted against it: the constitutional challenge, investment treaty
arbitration, and WTO complaints. Thereafter, it explores the Uruguayan measures and
the investment treaty arbitration filed against them. Through engaging in these disputes,
the main legal issues concerning plain packaging of tobacco products are highlighted.
Third chapter addresses the Turkish legislation that introduced plain packaging of
tobacco products. First, it provides a brief overview concerning the history of Turkish
tobacco market and tobacco control policies. Second, it evaluates the legislation that
incorporated plain packaging measures and the related regulations. Then it considers the
plain packaging’s compatibility with Turkish trademark law and constitutional law.
Finally, it discusses the main implications for Turkey under its international obligations.
While this thesis draws the conclusion that the outcomes of the cases against
Australia and Uruguay were important victories for public health; it also underlines that
there is still a need to be cautious when adopting such restrictive measures.