Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
30% of Front, 40% of Back
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
16
Length of Rotation Period
Uncertain
Analysis
Packaging and labeling of smoked tobacco products must display one of two “general” text warnings covering 30% of the front of the pack, and one of 14 “combined” text and image warnings covering 40% of the back of the pack.
The general and combined warnings must be rotated in such a way as to guarantee their regular appearance. The text should be printed in black on a white background and surrounded by a black border 3mm to 4mm in width. The border is not counted as part of the minimum space to be covered by the warning.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines. However, to more fully align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require that the combined warnings occupy at least 50% of the both principal display areas.
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
30% of Front
Rotation
Not Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
1
Length of Rotation Period
Unspecified
Analysis
Smokeless tobacco products other than chewing tobacco are prohibited in Iceland. Chewing tobacco must contain the following warning: “þessi tobaksvara getur skaðað heilsuna og er avanabindandi” (tobacco can harm your health and is addictive). The warning must occupy 30% of the most visible surface of the package.
The regulation meets the minimum requirement of FCTC Art. 11 for size of health warnings in that it must occupy at least 30% of the principal display area. However, to more fully align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require that warnings occupy at least 50% of the principal display areas and should also require graphic or pictorial warnings together with the text warnings. In addition, the law should require two or more warnings to be rotated during a specified period of time.
