Last updated: October 13, 2017

Health Warnings/Messages Features

Type of product: Smoked Tobacco Products
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Text Warnings/Messages
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
30% of Front, 30% of Back
Rotation
Not Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
1
Length of Rotation Period
Unspecified - n/a
Analysis

The law prescribes one authorized text health warning, which must occupy 30% of the two principal display areas and be surrounded by a 3mm thick black border.

The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to the minimum size requirement of health warnings. However, to more fully align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require combined picture and text health warnings (rather than text only) that occupy at least 50% of the two principal display areas. Multiple warnings should be authorized and rotation of these warnings should be required. In addition, the law should require that the health warnings be updated every 12-36 months.

Type of product: Smokeless Tobacco Products
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Text Warnings/Messages
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
30% of Front, 30% of Back
Rotation
Not Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
1
Length of Rotation Period
Unspecified - n/a
Analysis

The law prescribes one authorized text health warning, which must occupy 30% of the two principal display areas and be surrounded by a 3mm thick black border.

The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to the minimum size requirement of health warnings. However, to more fully align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require combined picture and text health warnings (rather than text only) that occupy at least 50% of the two principal display areas. Multiple warnings should be authorized and rotation of these warnings should be required. Warnings for smokeless tobacco should be specific to the harms of smokeless tobacco. In addition, the law should require that the health warnings be updated every 12-36 months.