Singapore Customs calls a media pitch for anti-contraband cigarettes campaign

SINGAPORE - Singapore Customs is believed to be on the lookout for an advertising agency for its anti-contraband cigarettes campaign.

The contract period is for twelve months starting from April 2010 to March 2011.

The government body will be briefing the agencies on 2 March and the closing date and time for submission of tender documents is 15 March at 4.00pm.

In September 2008, Singapore Customs awarded its US$1.04 million anti-contraband campaign assignment to local shop Up BrandBuzz, following a final round of pitching, believed to involved Saatchi Lab, McCann Erickson and Mandate Advertising.

The appointment followed a ruling by the Singapore Government to stamp cigarettes with a 'Singapore duty-paid cigarette' marking to curb rising contraband sales.

Last year in January, Up BrandBuzz launched an anti-contraband campaign for Singapore Customs. The campaign aimed to convey the severity of buying, selling and possessing illegal cigarettes following the passing of a law.