A new regulation by the UK government will ban cigarette branding and force tobacco firms to implement standardised packaging of all cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco for retail sale.
The move by the government is in line with efforts to improve public health and prevent the uptake of smoking by children.
The proposed regulation, likely to take effect in 2016, will require cigarette packaging with mandatory colours; specified text such as the brand and variant name; and required markings such as health warnings and fiscal marks.
Public Health Minister Jane Ellison said: "Smoking remains one of our most significant public health challenges.
"Having considered all the evidence, the Secretary of State and I believe that the policy is a proportionate and justified response to the considerable public health harm from smoking tobacco."
The law is said to take effect along with the European tobacco products directive in May 2016.
Among the tobacco control measures to be included in the directive are health warning pictures, ban on flavourings, and packaging controls to combat illicit trade.
The new regulation for tobacco products in the UK comes after Australia introduced tobacco plain packaging in 2012.
According to data from Australia's Department of the Treasury, the tobacco clearances dropped by 3.4% in 2013, compared to 2012.
Image: The proposed regulation will require cigarette packaging with mandatory colors, specified text and markings such as health warnings and fiscal marks. Photo: courtesy of Crown copyright / UK Government.
