DUBLIN, Ireland – Ireland joins Australia in mandating cigarettes have plain packaging, Reuters reports. Yesterday, the Irish Parliament approved a measure that would require no branding on tobacco products.

Immediately, Imperial Tobacco Group and Japan Tobacco International have indicated legal action would be taken against the Irish government because of the ban. That move hasn’t deterred the Irish government, which said it will continue with its plans to prohibit tobacco logos on tobacco products.

The president of Ireland is expected to sign the law after its approval by the country’s upper house of parliament. The legislation bans companies from manufacturing branded tobacco products to sell in Ireland starting May 2016. Branded tobacco products would be prohibited for sale in Ireland starting May 2017.

In the past in response to plain packaging bills, Imperial Tobacco said such laws infringe on international law. Three years ago, Australia enacted a similar law in an effort to lower smoking. Currently, Australia has been challenged via the World Trade Organization on grounds it creates illegitimate hurdles to commerce.