Norway has become the latest country to introduce a ban on displaying tobacco products in stores.
The ruling was upheld by a Norwegian court that rejected a complaint by tobacco company, Philip Morris. The tobacco firm argued that the ban violates the free trade agreement, however the court ruled that the ban did not constitute a barrier to trade and could be justified for public health reasons.
In April, Britain implemented a similar ban for large vendors, while smaller vendors have until 2015 before having to conform to the legislation.
The ruling is being followed by countries including New Zealand, Canada and India, which are considering similar measures to help fight smoking.
Norway’s decision to rebuff Philip Morris’ complaint comes less than two months before the fifth round of negotiations on the World Health Organization’s global tobacco treaty in Seoul, South Korea, in November.