Last updated: November 26, 2019

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
50% of Front, 50% of Back
Rotation
Not Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
Uncertain
Length of Rotation Period
Uncertain
Analysis

The law requires that tobacco products display a pictorial health warning covering at least 50% of the principal display surfaces of each individual unit and outside packaging. This warning should be positioned parallel to the top edge of the package. The text must be in English, legible and clearly visible to the seller and prospective purchaser.

Four health warnings are included in a schedule to the regulations. However, neither the law nor the regulations specify whether these warnings are to appear simultaneously or rotated in some manner.

For smoked tobacco products sold individually, the health warning must be displayed on the packaging or on a leaflet inserted in the packaging.

The law meets the minimum requirements of FCTC Art. 11 with respect to size (30%) and location of warnings. The law aligns with the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in that the current implementing order requires graphic warnings that occupy 50% of each principal display area. However, the law does not align with respect to rotation requirements. The law should require rotation of health warnings.

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
50% of Front, 50% of Back
Rotation
Not Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
Uncertain
Length of Rotation Period
Uncertain
Analysis

The law requires that tobacco products display a pictorial health warning covering at least 50% of the principal display surfaces of each individual unit and outside packaging. This warning should be positioned parallel to the top edge of the package. The text must be in English, legible and clearly visible to the seller and prospective purchaser.

Four health warnings are included in a schedule to the regulations. However, neither the law nor the regulations specify whether these warnings are to appear simultaneously or rotated in some manner.

The law meets the minimum requirements of FCTC Art. 11 with respect to size (30%) and location of warnings. The law aligns with the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in that the current implementing order requires graphic warnings that occupy 50% of each principal display area. However, the law does not align with respect to rotation requirements. The law should require rotation of health warnings.