Retailers are warning of job losses and possible shop closures if the government implements plans to bring in plain packaging on cigarettes.

Retailers Against  Smuggling (RAS) says it is concerned that the introduction of the plain packets will lead to more smuggled and illegal cigarettes entering the market.

The group, which represents 3,000 independent retailers, has written to TDs and Senators asking them to take additional measures to tackle the black market in parallel with the Plain Packaging Bill.

Ireland will become the second country in the world to introduce the measure after Australia did so in 2012.

The packs, regardless of brand, will have to be a uniform colour, carry the brand name in uniform lettering and have no logos or trademarks.

All packs will still carry graphic pictures of the health impacts of smoking.

In recent weeks, Irish and British Revenue officials seized an illegal tobacco factory in the border area. RAS say this is the first of its kind to be discovered.

RAS spokesman Benny Gilsenan says smuggling should be tackled before plain packaging is brought in.