Last updated: November 22, 2022
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires warnings on 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 on outside packaging and labeling.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warning labels on outside packaging.
Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country
The law requires warning text to be in English.
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
The law requires that warning labels remain intact and not susceptible to being damaged, concealed, obstructed, obscured, disrupted, covered, or changed by any package feature. However, for packages with a flip-top lid, warning labels may be split and temporarily disrupted when opening the package.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines 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
The law provides that stamps or other required markings shall not cover warnings unless required by law.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to a requirement that tax stamps or other required markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages.
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
The law requires that descriptive information on the contents and emissions of the tobacco product be placed on the lateral (side) panel. The content of this information will be prescribed by the Minister of Health in the regulations. As of the date of this review, no regulations have been issued.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the regulations should specify that the constituents and emissions information required on tobacco product packaging shall only be qualitative/descriptive.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
The law prohibits the display of quantitative information on emissions on packaging or labeling or the product itself.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to the display of figures for emission yields on tobacco product packaging.
Plain or standardized packaging
Plain packaging of tobacco products is not required but the law provides the Minister of Health with broad authority to regulate the packaging and labeling of tobacco products. This includes logos, colors, and other brand information.
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 packaging and labeling that directly or indirectly promotes a tobacco product by any means that are false, misleading, deceptive, or likely or intended to create an erroneous impression about the characteristics, health effects, or hazards of the product or its emissions. The prohibition includes the use of descriptors such as “light”, “ultra light”, “mild”, “low tar”, “smooth”, “slim”, “extra”, “ultra”, and “natural.” Also prohibited are numbers, trademarks, colors, and color combinations that are likely or intended to mislead consumers.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to a prohibition on misleading terms, descriptors, trademarks, and figurative or other signs.
