Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
65% of Front, 65% of Back, Side(s)
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
14
Length of Rotation Period
Specified
- 12 months
Analysis
Packaging of cigarettes and smoking tobacco must carry one of 14 authorized combined text/picture health warnings, occupying 65% of the front and back of the tobacco product package. The warning must be placed on the top edge of package and surrounded by a 1mm black border. There are three sets of 14 authorized combined warnings that must be rotated annually. Each of the 14 combined warnings must be used equally over the course of the year. The combined health warnings also include smoking cessation information – “Find help to quit smoking at www.tubakainfo.ee”.
A general warning - "Smoking Kills – quit now" - must occupy 50% of one lateral side of the package. An informational message - "Tobacco smoke contains over 70 substances known to cause cancer" - must occupy 50% of the other lateral side.
On packaging of cigars and cigarillos, the general health warning and smoking cessation information must cover 30% of the front surface, and the text of the combined warnings (but not the corresponding image) must rotate and cover 40% of the back surface.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 and aligns with the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to size, location, and rotation of health warnings on packages of smoked tobacco products.
