Last updated: October 20, 2020

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
20% of Front
Rotation
Not Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
1
Length of Rotation Period
Unspecified
Analysis

A single text warning must occupy 20% of the front of all tobacco product packages. The Anti-Smoking Regulations state that "a picture depicting the warning of the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco use and its derivatives may be added", however a picture is not required.

The law does meet FCTC Art. 11 because the size of the warning is less than 30%, the minimum size required, and the warning is not required on both principal display areas. To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law must require that health warnings occupy at least 30% of both principal display areas, and preferably should occupy 50% or more of the principal display areas; the health warnings should contain both pictures and text; and the law should require that multiple health warning messages/pictures be rotated and updated at least every 12 to 36 months.

Type of product: Smokeless Tobacco Products
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Text Warnings/Messages
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
20% of Front
Rotation
Not Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
1
Length of Rotation Period
Unspecified
Analysis

A single text warning must occupy 20% of the front of all tobacco product packages. The Anti-Smoking Regulations state that "a picture depicting the warning of the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco use and its derivatives may be added", however a picture is not required.

The law does meet FCTC Art. 11 because the size of the warning is less than 30%, the minimum size required, and the warning is not required on both principal display areas. To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law must require that health warnings occupy at least 30% of both principal display areas, and preferably should occupy 50% or more of the principal display areas; the health warnings should contain both pictures and text; and the law should require that multiple health warning messages/pictures be rotated and updated at least every 12 to 36 months.