Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
75% of Front, 75% of Back
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
Uncertain
Length of Rotation Period
Specified
- 2 years
Analysis
The law requires combined picture and text health warnings on all tobacco product packages. Together, the combined picture and text health warning must occupy 75% of the two main surfaces (front and back), with the image covering at least 50% and the text covering at least 25%.
The Ministry of Health is authorized to issue the combined picture/text warnings, and the law requires the Ministry to update the health warnings every two years. Because the Ministry has not yet issued the required health warnings, it is uncertain how many warnings are in rotation at one time. It is unclear whether manufacturers and importers are still using the 30% warnings required under the repealed 2006 law.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with regard to size, location, and rotation. However, to fully meet FCTC Art. 11 and align with the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the Ministry of Health should issue implementing regulations that contain the pictures and text to be placed on tobacco product packaging.
Beginning in March 2022, picture and text health warnings will be required to cover 90% of the two main surfaces (front and back) of tobacco product packaging.
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
75% of Front, 75% of Back
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
Uncertain
Length of Rotation Period
Specified
- 2 years
Analysis
The law requires combined picture and text health warnings on all tobacco products. Together, the combined picture and text health warning must occupy 75% of the two main surfaces (front and back), with the image covering at least 50% and the text covering at least 25%.
The Ministry of Health is authorized to issue the combined picture/text warnings, and the law requires the Ministry to update the health warnings every two years. Because the Ministry has not yet issued the required health warnings, it is uncertain how many warnings are in rotation at one time. It is unclear whether manufacturers and importers are still using the 30% warnings required under the repealed 2006 law.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with regard to size, location, and rotation. However, to fully meet FCTC Art. 11 and align with the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the Ministry of Health should issue implementing regulations that contain the pictures and text to be placed on tobacco packaging.
Beginning in March 2022, picture and text health warnings will be required to cover 90% of the two main surfaces (front and back) of tobacco product packaging.
