Last updated: July 26, 2021

Health Warnings/Messages Features

Type of product: Smoked Tobacco Products
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Pictures (Photos), Text Warnings/Messages
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
50% of Front, 50% of Back, Side(s)
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
1
Length of Rotation Period
Specified - two years
Analysis

Combined picture and text health warnings must cover 50% of the front and back of the tobacco product package. Currently, three health warnings have been prescribed, with one warning to appear at a time for a period of up to 24 months.

A text-only health warning must also be displayed on one of the lateral sides of the package.

For cigarette cartons, text-only warnings are required to cover 50% of the front and back surfaces.

Beginning in June 2024, picture health warnings must be displayed on 60% of the front and back of packages.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to requiring warnings that occupy at least 50% of principal display areas and that contain both pictures and text.

Type of product: Smokeless Tobacco Products
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Pictures (Photos), Text Warnings/Messages
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
50% of Front, 50% of Back
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
1
Length of Rotation Period
Specified - two years
Analysis

Combined picture and text health warnings must cover 50% of the principal display area of a tobacco product package.

Beginning in June 2024, picture health warnings must be displayed on 60% of the principal display area of a tobacco product package.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to requiring warnings that occupy at least 50% of principal display areas and that contain both pictures and text. To more fully align, the law should require warnings specific to smokeless tobacco products.