Last updated: December 14, 2020
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires that warnings be printed on packages, defined as any confining band, container, receptacle or other enclosure in which tobacco products are sold.
The law aligns with 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 that health warnings be printed on packages and explicitly provides for warnings on cartons.
The law aligns with 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 specifies that health warnings must be printed in English.
The law aligns with 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 placed on the package in a manner that ensures that they will not be damaged, removed or obscured by any other message or graphic on the display panel 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 health warnings must be placed on the package in a manner that ensures that they will not be damaged, removed or obscured by any other message or graphic on the display panel when the package is opened. The law defines “graphic" to mean any emblem, design, image, logo, mark, pattern, picture, sign, symbol, trademark or any other indicium. This is interpreted as prohibiting a tax stamp from concealing a health warning or message.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to prohibiting tax stamps or other required markings from concealing warning messages.
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
The law requires a declaration be included on all tobacco products that states, “Smoke from this product contains extremely addictive nicotine and toxic substances such as tar and carbon monoxide. No safe level of consumption exists for this product.”
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to qualitative constituents and emissions disclosures.
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 packaging.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should prohibit the display of emission yield figures.
Plain or standardized packaging
Plain packaging of tobacco products is not required in Barbados. 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 the display of any information that promotes tobacco products in a manner that is false or misleading, including any description of the contents of a carton or package which uses such terms including "light," "mild," "low tar," "ultra," "extra," "slim," or any other text or graphic that is likely to create an erroneous impression about the characteristics or effects of tobacco products.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to promotion of tobacco products by means that are false, misleading or deceptive.
