Mandatory pictures indicating the dangers of smoking which are already in use in Thailand, are to be included on cigarette packages in Finland. 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 April 2006. 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.
