Imperial Tobacco has submitted its response to the public consultation on plain packaging.

The 30-page document claims that there is no credible evidence or research that plain packaging would reduce youth smoking, that it would increase the trade in illicit tobacco products, and that it would breach national and EU law and international treaties.

“We trust the government will have an open view with this consultation, and will take notice of the submissions from retailers, wholesalers and packaging manufacturers whose businesses are threatened by these proposals,” Imperial Tobacco’s head of UK corporate and legal affairs Colin Wragg said.

With less than three days to go before the consultation closes on August 10, the government has not yet confirmed when it will publish a summary report of the responses it has received. However, Imperial Tobacco is expecting to see something towards the end of the calendar year or in early 2013.