Last updated: September 21, 2022
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires warnings on both unit (“box”) and outside (“block”) tobacco product packaging.
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 both unit (“box”) and outside (“block”) tobacco product packaging.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warning labels on unit packaging.
Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country
The law requires that health warnings must be written in Armenian.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warnings text being 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
Currently, health warnings are required to be placed in a way that they are preserved from damage when opening the pack.
In addition, when the Technical Regulations for Tobacco Products come into force for Armenia, the law will require that warnings or messages not be placed where they may be permanently damaged or concealed when opening the pack.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to warnings not being 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 requires that warning text not be hidden or obscured by other written or pictorial matter or be printed on excise stamps.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in this respect.
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
Currently, the law does not require the display of qualitative constituents and emissions messages.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require the display of qualitative constituents and emissions messages.
When the Technical Regulations for Tobacco Products come into force for Armenia, the display of qualitative constituents and emissions messages will be required.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
Currently, the law does not prohibit the display of figures for emission yields. Rather, the law requires that information on tar and nicotine content occupy 10% of the side panel of consumer packaging.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should prohibit the display of figures for emission yields on tobacco product packaging.
When the Technical Regulations for Tobacco Products come into force for Armenia, the display of figures for emission yields will be prohibited.
Plain or standardized packaging
Plain packaging of tobacco products is not currently required. The provisions on plain packaging enter into force on January 1, 2024.
As of January 1, 2024, the law will align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to plain packaging.
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 descriptors such as “low nicotine (tar),” “light,” “very light” (“super light”), “soft,” “unique filter,” and other misleading terms that create the impression that a tobacco product is less harmful than other tobacco products. However, the law does not prohibit misleading figures or signs, such as colors, logos, or brand images that create a false impression. Therefore, the regulatory status code “Some Restrictions” is given.
To meet FCTC Art. 11, the law should prohibit all misleading terms, descriptors, trademarks, figurative or other signs that directly or indirectly create a false impression that a tobacco product is less harmful than other tobacco products.
When the Technical Regulations for Tobacco Products come into force for Armenia, all misleading tobacco product packaging and labeling will be prohibited.
