Last updated: December 3, 2021

Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements

Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)

Yes
Analysis

The law requires health warnings on both unit and outside packaging and labeling.

The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this regard.

Warning/messages required on outside packaging and labeling (e.g., cartons)

Yes
Analysis

The law requires health warnings on both unit and outside packaging and labeling.

The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this regard.

Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country

Yes
Analysis

The law requires that the text of the health warnings be in Spanish, the principal language of the country.

The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this regard.

A requirement that warnings or messages may not be placed where they may be permanently damaged or concealed when opening the pack

Yes
Analysis

The law requires that health warnings remain intact when the pack is opened. In the case of a pack with a flip-top lid, the health warning can be separated but only in a manner that retains the graphic integrity and visibility of the text.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in this respect.

A requirement that tax stamps or other required markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages

Yes
Analysis

The law requires that health warnings not be partially or completely hidden or interrupted by tax stamps or other security measures.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in this respect.

A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages

Yes
Analysis

The law requires all smoked tobacco products to carry the following qualitative information message on constituents: “Tobacco smoke contains over 70 substances known to cause cancer.”

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to qualitative constituents and emissions information.

Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)

Yes
Analysis

The law prohibits the display on packaging of information on the contents (quantity) of tar, nicotine, or carbon monoxide.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields.

Plain or standardized packaging

No
Analysis

Plain packaging of tobacco products is not required in Spain. 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)

Yes
Analysis

The law prohibits the use of terms, symbols, names, trademarks, figurative signs, and other images or marks that create the impression that one tobacco product is less harmful than another.

The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to misleading terms, descriptors, and other symbols.