Australia has won a landmark victory at the World Trade Organisation over its ban on branded cigarette packaging in a decision that could spur a further wave of tobacco regulation in other countries.

The WTO rejected claims brought by Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Indonesia and Cuba that the plain packaging measures introduced in 2011 to curb smoking on health grounds were inconsistent with its rules. The ruling, which was issued late on Thursday by the WTO, is the latest in a swathe of legal victories achieved by Canberra, which was the first country in the world to introduce plain packaging laws. 

“This is a significant win for the country as we continue to work hard towards reducing the damaging effects of smoking,” said Steve Ciobo, Australia’s trade minister.