Regulations standardising the packaging of tobacco products have been approved by Cabinet and made available online.

Under the regulations, all cigarettes and tobacco products will be in brown/green-coloured packaging, with enlarged health warnings and brand names in a standardised font. The new packs will roll out from 14 March 2018.

Associate Health Minister Nicky Wagner and Māori Party Co-Leader Marama Fox say standardised packaging will reduce the appeal of tobacco products and smoking, particularly for children and young people.

“The bland packs will maximise the impact of health warnings and cut out any false impression that smoking is cool or glamorous,” Ms Fox says.