Plain packaging for cigarettes case in court

Australia : The world's biggest tobacco firms are challenging the Australian government in court over a law on mandatory plain packaging for cigarettes.

The suit, led by British American Tobacco, is being watched around the world as a test case.Australia last year passed legislation requiring all tobacco to be sold in plain packets with graphic health warnings from 1 December 2012.

It is the first country to pass such stringent packaging legislation.The proceedings, being heard before the High Court in Canberra, are scheduled to run until Thursday. It is not clear when a decision might be reached.

"We're very conscious that we're being watched around the world," Australian Attorney-General Nicola Roxon said.

Countries such as Britain, Canada and New Zealand are considering similar moves.