Germany

Packages of cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, and waterpipe tobacco (hookah) must contain three health-related warnings: (1) the general warning "Smoking kills", (2) the information message "Tobacco smoke contains over 70 substances known to cause cancer", and (3) combined picture and text health warnings.

The general warning and information message each must occupy 50% of one lateral side (for most pack shapes).

The combined picture and text health warnings must occupy 65% of the front and back principal display areas. The warnings are contained in Annex II of the EU Tobacco Products Directive (Directive 2014/40/EU, as amended). There are three sets of 14 authorized combined warnings that must be rotated yearly. The format, layout, and design must comply with the requirements of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/1842.

In addition, the combined picture and text health warnings must include quitline information including a toll-free phone number and website.

The law meets FCTC Art. 11 and aligns with the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to the size, content, format, location, and rotation of the warnings and messages.

Smokeless tobacco product packages must contain the warning “This tobacco product damages your health and is addictive” covering 30% of the two most visible principal display areas.

The law meets the minimum requirements of FCTC Art. 11 with regard to size. To more fully align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require multiple health warnings to be rotated over time concurrently or updated over a specified time period. In addition, the law should require warning that occupy at least 50% of principal display areas and contain pictures as well as text.