Last updated: May 5, 2025
Key Terms
Tobacco Product
"Tobacco product" means a product made in whole or in part of tobacco, including tobacco leaves. It includes papers, tubes and filters intended for use with that product, a device, other than a water pipe, that is necessary for the use of that product and the parts that may be used with the device.
The definition of “tobacco product” aligns with the definition contained in FCTC Art. 1(f) and is more comprehensive than the FCTC definition in that it also encompasses papers, tubes, and filters.
Any product entirely or partly made of the leaf tobacco as a raw material which is manufactured to be used for smoking, sucking, chewing, or snuffing. (FCTC Art. 1(f))
Outside Packaging and Labeling
"Primary package" means any package — other than an overwrap — that is intended for retail sale in Canada and in which a tobacco product is directly placed.
"Secondary package" means any package — other than an overwrap — that is intended for retail sale in Canada and in which a primary package is placed.
Together, the definitions of "primary package" and "secondary package" contained in the law align with the definition of "outside packaging and labeling" contained in FCTC Art. 11(4) in that they encompass any packaging used in the retail sale of the product.
Any packaging and labeling used in the retail sale of the product. (FCTC Art. 11(4))
Carton
"Carton" means a secondary package in which two or more primary packages containing the same type of tobacco product are placed.
The definition of "carton" is significant because the law requires health warnings and health information on cartons and standardizes the appearance of cartons.
