Analysis
Pictorial health warnings are required for all packets and retail containers of cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and cigarette tobacco. On cigarette packets and retail containers of pipe tobacco or cigarette tobacco, the warnings must cover at least 85% of both principal display areas (PDAs), in Chinese on one PDA and in English on the other PDA. For packets in the shape of cylindrical drum, the warning in Chinese must cover at least 85% of the curved surface, and the warning in English must cover at least 50% of the top surface of the lid.
For packages of cigars, the warning in Chinese must cover at least 70% of the front surface and the warning in English must cover 100% of the back surface. For containers of single cigars, both the Chinese and English warnings must appear on the largest surface of the container.
There are currently 12 prescribed warnings, each in Chinese and English, to be rotated over a period of 24 months. Each warning must appear on each brand with equal frequency during any continuous 24-month period.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with regard to picture and text warning size, placement, and rotation.
