Last updated: September 27, 2022
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires that warnings are displayed on tobacco product packages, and the Executive Order further requires that warnings be printed on the packaging and not on the discardable wrapper.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this respect.
Warning/messages required on outside packaging and labeling (e.g., cartons)
The law requires that warnings are displayed on tobacco product packages, and the Executive Order contains specific provisions with regard to warnings on cartons.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this respect.
Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country
Warning texts must appear in Spanish.
The law meets the FCTC Art. 11 requirements of warning texts appearing in the principal language of the country.
A requirement that warnings or messages may not be placed where they may be permanently damaged or concealed when opening the pack
The Executive Order (E.O.) requires that warnings be placed on the packaging and not on the discardable exterior wrapper. However, the E.O. is silent as to other design elements that could damage or conceal the warning upon opening the pack.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law and/or regulations should specify that the warnings may not be placed where they may be damaged or concealed when opening the pack.
A requirement that tax stamps or other required markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages
Neither the law nor the Executive Order specifies that tax stamps or other required markings may not conceal health warnings.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should clearly state that tax stamps or other required markings may not be placed where they may conceal health warnings or messages.
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
The law requires that tobacco product packaging contain information on constituents and emissions, including nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and benzopyrene. The Executive Order specifies that this information may not contain values or yield numbers.
This provision on displaying descriptive constituents and emissions aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines for qualitative disclosures.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
The law requires that tobacco product packaging contain information on constituents and emissions, including nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and benzopyrene. The Executive Order specifies that this information may not contain values or yield numbers.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in that it prohibits figures for emission yields.
Plain or standardized packaging
Plain packaging of tobacco products is not required in Panama. The FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines provide that Parties should consider adopting plain packaging measures that restrict or prohibit the use of logos, colors, brand images, or other promotional information on packaging other than brand and product names displayed in a standard color and font style. Plain packaging aims to reduce the appeal of tobacco products, to increase the noticeability of health warnings, and to reduce the ability of the packaging of tobacco products to mislead consumers about the harmful effects of smoking.
Prohibition on misleading tobacco packaging & labeling including terms, descriptors, trademarks, figurative or other signs (logos, colors, images that directly create a false impression that a tobacco product is less harmful than other tobacco products)
The law prohibits false, questionable, or deceptive advertising on tobacco product packaging. The Executive Order specifically prohibits the use of misleading terms, descriptors, trademarks, and figurative or other signs.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to the use of terms, descriptors, or other signs that directly or indirectly create a false impression that a tobacco product is less harmful than other tobacco products.
