Last updated: January 13, 2020
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
Currently, the law requires a health warning on packaging of tobacco products "made available for public consumption." This is interpreted as requiring the warning on all unit packaging and labeling.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this respect.
Warning/messages required on outside packaging and labeling (e.g., cartons)
Currently, the law requires a health warning on packaging of tobacco products "made available for public consumption." It is unclear whether this is interpreted to mean unit packaging only, or both unit and outside packaging.
To meet FCTC Art. 11, the law should make clear that warnings are required on outside packaging and labeling as well as unit packaging and labeling.
Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country
The law does not specify the language(s) in which the warning must be printed. The current administrative order establishing the text of the warning provides the text in French.
To meet FCTC Art. 11, the law should contain an affirmative requirement that the warning be printed in the principal language(s) of Cote d'Ivoire.
A requirement that warnings or messages may not be placed where they may be permanently damaged or concealed when opening the pack
The law does not contain an explicit requirement that warnings or messages may not be placed where they may be permanently damaged or concealed when opening the pack.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should explicitly state that warnings or messages may not be placed where they may be permanently damaged or concealed when opening the pack.
A requirement that tax stamps or other required markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages
The law does not contain an explicit requirement that tax stamps or other markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should explicitly state that tax stamps or other markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages.
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
The law does not require the display of qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require the display of qualitative constituents and emissions messages on all tobacco product packaging.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
The law does not prohibit the display of figures for emissions yields.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should prohibit the display of figures for emissions yields.
Plain or standardized packaging
Plain packaging of tobacco products is not required. The FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines provide that Parties should consider adopting plain packaging measures that restrict or prohibit the use of logos, colors, brand images, or other promotional information on packaging other than brand and product names displayed in a standard color and font style. Plain packaging aims to reduce the appeal of tobacco products, to increase the noticeability of health warnings, and to reduce the ability of the packaging of tobacco products to mislead consumers about the harmful effects of smoking.
Prohibition on misleading tobacco packaging & labeling including terms, descriptors, trademarks, figurative or other signs (logos, colors, images that directly create a false impression that a tobacco product is less harmful than other tobacco products)
The law does not prohibit misleading tobacco product packaging and labeling.
To meet FCTC Art. 11, the law should prohibit misleading tobacco product packaging and labeling including terms, descriptors, trademarks, or figurative or other signs (e.g., logos, colors, brand images) that directly or indirectly create a false impression that a tobacco product is less harmful than other tobacco products.
