Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
65% of Front, 65% of Back, 50% of Side(s)
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed on Front / Back at Any Given Time
14
Length of Rotation Period
Specified
- 1 year
Analysis
One of 14 combined picture/text warnings must occupy 65% of the front and the back of packages. There are three sets of 14 combined picture/text warnings, and each set is to be used for a period of one year. In addition, a general warning (Smoking kills – quit smoking now) and an informational warning (Tobacco smoke contains more than 70 substances that can cause cancer) must cover 50% of the lateral sides of the package.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to requiring warnings that occupy at least 50% of principal display areas and that contain both pictures and text.
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 on Front / Back at Any Given Time
1
Length of Rotation Period
Not Applicable
Analysis
As of June 1, 2022, the following text health warning must occupy 30% of the two largest surface areas of the smokeless tobacco product package: “This tobacco product is harmful to your health and addictive”.
The law meets the minimum requirements of FCTC Art. 11 in that the single warning occupies 30% of the two principal display areas of the package. However, to fully align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require warnings be composed of pictures and text, include a variety of messages to be displayed at any given time, and require that the warnings rotate on a regular basis. In addition, the law should expressly require the warnings to appear on at least 50% of each principal display area.
