Last updated: September 17, 2019

Health Warnings/Messages Features

Type of product: Smoked Tobacco Products
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Text Warnings/Messages
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
40% of Front, 40% of Back
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
12
Length of Rotation Period
Unspecified
Analysis

The law requires that text-only health warnings be placed on tobacco product packages covering 40% of the two widest sides. A general statement - either "Smoking kills" or "Smoking leads to fatal and serious disease" - must appear on the front 40%. An additional warning describing the health effects of tobacco use must appear on the back 40%. A total of 10 additional warnings are prescribed, and shall be rotated "in a way that guarantees its regular presence in the markets."

The law meets with the minimum requirements of FCTC Art. 11 with respect to size (at least 30%), location, and rotation. However, to fully align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require that warnings cover at least 50% of both principal display areas, and include picture warnings on both display areas. In addition, the law should mandate that the Ministry of Public Health update the content of the warnings every 12-36 months.

Type of product: Smokeless Tobacco Products
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Text Warnings/Messages
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
40% of Front, 40% of Back
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
12
Length of Rotation Period
Unspecified
Analysis

The law requires that text-only health warnings be placed on tobacco product packages covering 40% of the two widest sides. A general statement - either "Smoking kills" or "Smoking leads to fatal and serious disease" - must appear on the front 40%. An additional warning describing the health effects of tobacco use must appear on the back 40%. A total of 10 additional warnings are prescribed, and shall be rotated "in a way that guarantees its regular presence in the markets."

The law meets with the minimum requirements of FCTC Art. 11 with respect to size (at least 30%), location, and rotation. However, to fully align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require that warnings cover at least 50% of both principal display areas, and include picture warnings on both display areas. In addition, the law should mandate that the Ministry of Public Health update the content of the warnings every 12-36 months. In addition, the law should require health warnings specific to smokeless tobacco products.