Analysis
Smoked tobacco products must carry one of four authorized combined picture and text health warnings. The warning must occupy 50% of the front and back of the package, and appear in Arabic on the front and English on the back. The warning must be surrounded by a 1mm black frame (within the 50% area).
The law does not state whether the four warnings must appear in equal numbers on different brand and product types. The law requires the warnings to be updated “as required by the public interest.” Therefore, requirements around rotation are uncertain.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with regard to size (at least 50%) and content (text and pictures). However, to align more fully, the law should address rotation of the health warnings. Specifically, the law should state whether the four authorized health warnings are to be appear concurrently and in equal numbers, and should require that the health warnings be updated every 12 to 36 months.
Beginning in September 2023, combined picture and text health warnings will be required to cover 65% of the front and back of the package. In addition, a general health warning will be required to cover 50% of one side and a health information message on 50% of the other side.
