Last updated: October 4, 2019

Health Warnings/Messages Features

Type of product: Smoked Tobacco Products
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Text Warnings/Messages
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
30% of Front, 30% of Back, Side(s)
Rotation
Not Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
2
Length of Rotation Period
Uncertain
Analysis

The law requires all packs and cartons of cigarettes and cigars to have two of four designated health warnings on their front and back. A warning stating that selling cigarettes or cigars to minors is prohibited is required on the right side of each pack or carton of cigarettes or cigars.

The law meets the minimum size requirements of FCTC Art. 11 (30%) with respect to cigarettes and cigars. However, to more fully align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should apply to all tobacco products. Additionally, the law should require pictorial health warnings that occupy at least 50% of each principal display area. The law should also specify how the health warnings must rotate and require updating of the messages every 12 to 36 months.

Under Law No. 18/035, once fully implemented, graphic health warnings will be required to cover 50% of each of the two main surfaces (i.e., front and back) of cigar and cigarette packaging.

Type of product: Smokeless Tobacco Products
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Not Required
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
Rotation
Not Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
0
Length of Rotation Period
Unspecified
Analysis

The law does not require health warnings on smokeless tobacco products. To meet FCTC Art. 11, the law should require health warnings on all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products. Additionally, the law should require pictorial health warnings that occupy at least 50% of each principal display area. The law should also specify how the health warnings must rotate and require updating of the messages every 12 to 36 months.