Last updated: February 5, 2021

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
60% of Front, 60% of Back, Side(s)
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
4
Length of Rotation Period
Specified 12-16 months
Analysis

The law requires combined pictorial and text health warnings on 60% of the top front and back of the principal display areas. The warnings must be in English.

The warnings include four combined pictorial and health messages which must be rotated according to a schedule. The first set, Set A, must be used exclusively for eight months beginning on January 1st to August 31st of a calendar year beginning with an odd number and then Set A must be phased out by the end of that year. Set B warnings will be introduced in September of the calendar year beginning with an odd number and phased out by the end of a year with an even number.

The law also requires that the following information be including on the side of the product packaging, “Smoke from this product contains extremely addictive nicotine and toxic substances such as tar and carbon monoxide.”

The law meets FCTC Art. 11 and aligns with the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in that warnings meet the minimum size requirements of covering at least 30% (and more than 50%) of the principal display areas, the warnings contain pictures as well as text, and rotation is required.

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
60% of Front, 60% of Back
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
4
Length of Rotation Period
Specified 12-16 months
Analysis

The law requires pictorial and text health warnings on 60% of the top front and back of the principal display areas. The law requires that nonstandard packaging, not provided for in the regulations, shall be provided by the Minister and be printed with the same quality and clarity as the warnings provided for in the regulations. The warnings must be in English.

The warnings include four combined pictorial and health messages which must be rotated according to a schedule. The first set, Set A, must be used exclusively for eight months beginning on January 1st to August 31st of a calendar year beginning with an odd number and then Set A must be phased out by the end of that year. Set B warnings will be introduced in September of the calendar year beginning with an odd number and phased out by the end of a year with an even number.

The law meets FCTC Art. 11 and aligns with the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in that warnings meet the minimum size requirements of covering at least 30% (and more than 50%) of the principal display areas, the warnings contain pictures as well as text, and rotation is required.