Last updated: August 10, 2022
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires health warnings on “consumer containers,” which is defined to include both unit and group 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 health warnings on “consumer containers,” which is defined to include both unit and group packaging.
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 that health warning labels must be printed in the Azeri language.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warning labels 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
The law requires that warnings must be printed in a manner that ensures the warning will not be concealed, and where it will not be damaged or broken when the package is opened.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines regarding damaged or concealed warning labels.
A requirement that tax stamps or other required markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages
The law requires that warnings must be printed in a manner that ensures the warning will not be concealed by any material or image.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines regarding the position of tax stamps or other required markings.
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
The law does not require the display of qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages on any packaging.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law affirmatively should include this requirement.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
There is no prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields on tobacco product packaging. Instead, the law requires that the amount of tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide contained in tobacco products must be written on one side of individual consumer containers, occupying 10% of that space.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should prohibit the display of emission yield figures, which may be misleading to consumers.
Plain or standardized packaging
Plain packaging of tobacco products is not required.
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 misleading tobacco product packaging and labeling. The law specifies that information on product packaging must be straightforward and accurate so that it is clear to consumers exactly what product they are purchasing, and from which manufacturer. In addition, the law prohibits markings on tobacco products that create the impression that a product is less harmful than others. This includes a prohibition on the terms “less amount of tar,” “light,” “very light,” “mild” and other similar terms.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to a prohibition on misleading terms, descriptors, trademarks, and figurative or other signs.
