Last updated: March 4, 2020

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
80% of Front, 80% 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 months
Analysis

Plain packaging is required for all cigarette and roll-your-own tobacco products available for retail sale as of December 21, 2019.

One of the four authorized picture and text warnings must be displayed on 80% of the lower portion of each of the two principal display areas (front and back) of each tobacco product package. The four images have been arranged into three pairs or "series" which prescribe the warnings to appear on the front and back. Each of the series must appear on an equal number of packs for each brand. Warnings must be rotated every 12 months.

The following descriptive statement of constituents and emissions must be displayed on one side panel: “Tobacco smoke contains toxic and poisonous substances such as cyanide and arsenic.” The statement must occupy the entire side panel.

These provisions meet FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warning size, location, and rotation.

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
80% of Front, 80% 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 months
Analysis

One of the four authorized picture and text warnings must be displayed on 80% of the lower portion of each of the two principal display areas (front and back) of each tobacco product package. The four images have been arranged into three pairs or "series" which prescribe the warnings to appear on the front and back. Each of the series must appear on an equal number of packs for each brand. Warnings must be rotated every 12 months.

The following descriptive statement of constituents and emissions must be displayed on one side panel: “Tobacco smoke contains toxic and poisonous substances such as cyanide and arsenic.” The statement must occupy the entire side panel.

Although these warnings are required on all tobacco products, the health messages are specific to smoked tobacco products, not smokeless tobacco products.

To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, an ordinance should provide health warnings specific to smokeless tobacco products.