Last updated: May 7, 2021
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires warnings on all packets, packages, covers, cartons, cans, and containers of tobacco products.
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 all packets, packages, covers, cartons, cans, and containers of tobacco products.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warning labels on outside packaging and labeling. For better clarity, the law should define “outside packaging and labeling” in accordance with definition provided in FCTC Art. 11(4).
Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country
The law requires the text warnings to be printed in Bangla.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to requiring warning text to be 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 health warnings be displayed in such a way “as not to be covered up by attachment of stamp or band roll or for any other reason.” Although the law prohibits concealment of health warnings, it does not prohibit damage to the warnings when, for example, the pack is opened.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should specifically prohibit the placement of warnings where they may be damaged when opening the pack as stated in the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines.
A requirement that tax stamps or other required markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages
The law requires that health warnings be displayed in such a way “as not to be covered up by attachment of stamp or band roll or for any other reason.”
As the law prohibits the concealment of health warnings by tax stamps, band rolls or for any other reason, the law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines para. 10.
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
There is no requirement for qualitative constituents and emissions disclosures on the tobacco product packet or package.
Accordingly, the law does not align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines. To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, drafters should require qualitative constituents and emissions disclosures on the tobacco product packet or package as contemplated by FCTC Art. 11 and FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines para. 33.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
There is no prohibition for the display of figures for emission yields on the tobacco product packet or package.
Accordingly, the law does not align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines. To align, the law should prohibit the display of figurative yields on tobacco product packaging as contemplated by para. 44 of the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines.
Plain or standardized packaging
Plain packaging of tobacco products is not required in Bangladesh. 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 brand elements (such as words like light, mild, low-tar, or extra) from use on the packet, cover, carton, or container of tobacco products if they would create a false impression about the effects and risks on public health. However, the law does not prohibit other misleading indicia (such as colors or numbers) on tobacco product packaging.
The law does not meet FCTC Art. 11 with respect to prohibition on misleading tobacco product packaging and labeling. To meet FCTC Art. 11, the law should prohibit all forms of misleading indicia, including terms, descriptors, trademarks, and figurative or other signs, on tobacco product packaging and labeling. In addition, for better clarity, the law should define the term “brand element.”
