Last updated: June 27, 2023
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires warnings to appear on “packaging cover”; this is interpreted to apply to unit packaging and labeling.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warning labels on unit packaging.
Warning/messages required on outside packaging and labeling (e.g., cartons)
The law requires warnings to appear on “packaging cover”; because this term is not defined, it is uncertain whether health warnings are required on outside packaging and labeling.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require warnings on unit and outside packaging and labeling.
Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country
The law requires the health warning to be in Arabic.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warning text appearing in the principal language of the country.
A requirement that warnings or messages may not be placed where they may be permanently damaged or concealed when opening the pack
While the law notes that warnings must be clearly displayed, it does not explicitly require that warnings or messages not be placed where they may be permanently damaged or concealed when opening the pack. Therefore, the regulatory status code “Uncertain” is given.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require that warnings or messages may not be placed where they may be permanently damaged or concealed when opening the pack.
A requirement that tax stamps or other required markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages
While the law notes that warnings must be clearly displayed, it does not explicitly require that warnings and messages may not be placed where they may be concealed by tax stamps or other required markings. Therefore, the regulatory status code “Uncertain” is given.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require that warnings and messages may not be placed where they may be concealed by tax stamps or other required markings.
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
The law does not require the display of qualitative constituents and emissions information. Instead, it provides that labels must show the toxic ingredients and their concentration, particularly nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require that the information on relevant constituents and emissions be descriptive only.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
The law does not prohibit the display of figures for emissions yields. Instead, the law affirmatively requires that labels show the toxic ingredients and their concentration, particularly nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should prohibit the display of figurative yields on tobacco product packaging as these figures can be misleading to consumers.
Plain or standardized packaging
Plain packaging of tobacco products is not required. The FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines provide that Parties should consider adopting plain packaging measures that restrict or prohibit the use of logos, colors, brand images, or other promotional information on packaging other than brand and product names displayed in a standard color and font style. Plain packaging aims to reduce the appeal of tobacco products, to increase the noticeability of health warnings, and to reduce the ability of the packaging of tobacco products to mislead consumers about the harmful effects of smoking.
Prohibition on misleading tobacco packaging & labeling including terms, descriptors, trademarks, figurative or other signs (logos, colors, images that directly create a false impression that a tobacco product is less harmful than other tobacco products)
The law prohibits the use of any statement (e.g., low tar, light) that directly or indirectly gives the wrong impression that a tobacco product is less harmful than others. However, the law does not appear to prohibit other misleading indicia, such as colors and figurative or other signs.
To meet FCTC Art. 11, the law should prohibit all misleading tobacco product packaging and labeling.
