Last updated: December 15, 2021

Health Warnings/Messages Features

Type of product: Smoked Tobacco Products
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Pictures (Photos), Text Warnings/Messages
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
60% of Front, 60% of Back, Side(s)
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
8
Length of Rotation Period
Specified - 12 months
Analysis

The regulations require health warnings covering at least 60% of each principal display area (front and back). Warnings are composed of both pictures and text and are to be placed at the top of the principal display areas. Warnings are framed by a border with a maximum thickness of 0.5 mm. In addition, a qualitative statement about constituents and emissions, called a “declaration,” must occupy 100% of one side panel. The declaration is to be printed in black text on a yellow or white background.

For conical packages, the health warnings designated as “front” and “back” must both appear on the main surface area, located opposite one another, and covering 60% of the main surface area. Packages of other shapes must also display the prescribed warnings on 60% of the upper surface area on both the front and back panels.

Regarding rotation, warnings are divided into two sets of eight warnings (16 total). The eight warnings in any given set must appear equally across packs. Each set is to appear exclusively for eight months, followed by a four-month transition period to the other set. Following that transition period, the next set is to appear exclusively for eight months, etc. Rotation dates are synchronized with World No Tobacco Day – e.g., Set A is to be displayed beginning June 1; Set B will begin transitioning on February 1 of the following year, with Set A phased out by May 31.

The warnings for smoked tobacco products are set out in Part III of the First Schedule.

On cartons, health warnings are to appear on all six sides of each carton, occupying 60% of each side. Like on unit packaging, there are two sets of eight warnings (16 total). An individual carton must depict at least three different health warnings. The declaration containing qualitative information about constituents and emissions may be located on any side except for the top or bottom, and must occupy an area of at least 2cm x 6cm. Rotation of the warnings on cartons follows the same schedule rotation of the warnings on unit packaging. The warnings for cartons of smoked tobacco products are set out in Part VI of the First Schedule.

Vendors of individual sticks and electronic nicotine delivery systems (“ENDS”, or e-cigarettes) must display health warnings on signs.

The warning requirements do not apply to tobacco products purchased, ordered, or acquired, or the arrival of which was pending or under construction by relevant authorities before June 27, 2014.

The regulations meet the requirements of FCTC Art. 11 and align with the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines.

Type of product: Smokeless Tobacco Products
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Pictures (Photos), Text Warnings/Messages
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
60% of Front, 60% of Back
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
4
Length of Rotation Period
Specified - 12 months
Analysis

The regulations require health warnings covering at least 60% of each principal display area. Warnings are composed of both pictures and text and are to be placed at the top of the principal display areas. Warnings are to be framed by a border with a maximum thickness of 0.5 mm. There is no declaration required for smokeless tobacco products.

For conical packages, the health warnings designated as “front” and “back” must both appear on the main surface area, located opposite one another, and covering 60% of the main surface area. Packages of other shapes must also display the prescribed warnings on 60% of the upper surface area on both the front and back panels.

Regarding rotation, warnings are divided into two sets of four warnings (eight total). The four warnings in any given set must appear equally across packs. Each set is to appear exclusively for eight months, followed by a four-month transition period to the other set. Following that transition period, the next set is to appear exclusively for eight months, etc. Rotation dates are synchronized with World No Tobacco Day – e.g., Set A is to be displayed beginning June 1; Set B will begin transitioning on February 1 of the following year, with Set A phased out by May 31.

The warnings for smokeless tobacco products are set out in Part IV of the First Schedule.

The warning requirements do not apply to tobacco products purchased, ordered, or acquired, or the arrival of which was pending or under construction by relevant authorities before June 27, 2014.

The regulations meet the requirements of FCTC Art. 11 and align with the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines.