TOBACCO CONTROL LAWS
LANGUAGE
Last updated: September 17th 2019

Health Warnings/Messages Features

Type of product: Smoked Tobacco Product
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Pictures (Photos), Text Warnings/Messages
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
50% of front, 50% of back, Side(s)
Rotation Required
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
12
Length of Rotation Period
Specified - 2 years
Analysis

Combined picture and text warnings are required on all tobacco products. Warnings must be displayed on 50% of each principal display area, which has a different instruction depending on the shape of the packaging. For example, on standard rectangular packages, the warnings must be placed on the lower portion of the two largest surface areas. A maximum of twelve warnings shall be rotated during a 24-month period. A side panel containing additional messages must be displayed on an area of not more than 30% of that side panel.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines. 

Law Source, Section
Graphic Health Warnings Law, Republic Act No. 10643
Administrative Order No. 2014-0037, Templates and Guidelines on the Use of Templates of Graphic Health Warnings Pursuant to Republic Act No. 10643
Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10643
Administrative Order No. 2014-0037-B, Further Amending Administrative Order No. 2014-0037 on Templates and Guidelines on the Use of Templates of Graphic Health Warnings Pursuant to Republic Act No. 10643
Type of product: Smokeless Tobacco Products
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Text Warnings/Messages
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
50% of front, 50% of back, Side(s)
Rotation Required
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
12
Length of Rotation Period
Specified - 2 years
Analysis

Combined picture and text warnings are required on all tobacco products. Warnings must be displayed on 50% of each principal display area, which has a different instruction depending on the shape of the packaging. For example, on spherical containers, warnings must be placed on the two largest surfaces that are predominantly displayed. A maximum of twelve warnings shall be rotated during a 24-month period.  A side panel containing additional messages must be displayed on an area of not more than 30% of that side panel.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines. 

Law Source, Section
Graphic Health Warnings Law, Republic Act No. 10643
Administrative Order No. 2014-0037, Templates and Guidelines on the Use of Templates of Graphic Health Warnings Pursuant to Republic Act No. 10643
Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10643
Administrative Order No. 2014-0037-B, Further Amending Administrative Order No. 2014-0037 on Templates and Guidelines on the Use of Templates of Graphic Health Warnings Pursuant to Republic Act No. 10643