Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
40% of Front, 40% of Back
Rotation
Uncertain
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
12
Length of Rotation Period
Specified
- 5 years
Analysis
All tobacco product packages must carry a combined picture/text health warning that occupies at least 40% of the front and back of the package.
The Technical Regulations state that the warnings “shall be updated no more than once every five years”. It is unclear whether updating the warnings is required. It is also unclear if each of the 12 picture/text warnings must be rotated and distributed evenly across tobacco product packaging.
Beginning February 2024, all tobacco product packages must carry a combined picture/text health warning that occupies at least 65% of the front and back of the package.
The current law meets the minimum requirements of FCTC Art. 11 in that a combined picture/text health warning occupies at least 30% of the principal display areas of a tobacco product package. To more fully align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require the warning to occupy 50% or more of the most visible surfaces of the pack. In addition, these warnings should be rotated and updated over time.
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
40% of Front, 40% of Back
Rotation
Uncertain
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
9
Length of Rotation Period
Specified
- 5 years
Analysis
Smokeless tobacco products, except for naswar, are banned. All tobacco product packages, including naswar, must carry a combined picture/text health warning that occupies at least 40% of the front and back of the package.
The Technical Regulations state that the warnings “shall be updated no more than once every five years”. It is unclear whether updating the warnings is required. It is also unclear if each of the 9 picture/text warnings for smokeless tobacco products (naswar) must be rotated and distributed evenly across tobacco product packaging.
Beginning February 2024, all tobacco product packages must carry a combined picture/text health warning that occupies at least 65% of the front and back of the package.
The current law meets the minimum requirements of FCTC Art. 11 in that a combined picture/text health warning occupies at least 30% of the principal display areas of a tobacco product package. To more fully align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require the warning to occupy 50% or more of the most visible surfaces of the pack. In addition, these warnings should be rotated and updated over time.
