Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
75% of Front, 75% of Back, Side(s)
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
7
Length of Rotation Period
Specified
- 2 years
Analysis
One of seven authorized picture/text warnings must occupy 75% of the two principal display areas of the tobacco product package, placed towards the top of the package. An English version of the warning must appear on one surface and a Malay version on the other surface. If the package is cylindrical or conical, the warning must appear on the largest surface. If the package is spherical, the warning must appear on the external surface. Each of the seven warnings should appear on an equal number of containers of each kind of tobacco product over the course of a two-year period. The law does not specify how frequently the warnings are to be updated. However, the 2007 warnings were replaced by new warnings in 2012. The same requirements apply to small containers (9,000 square millimeters or less); however, there are only three warnings in rotation during a two-year period.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with regard to size, content, placement, and rotation over time. However, to fully align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require that the health warnings be updated every 12-24 months.
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
75% of Front, 75% of Back
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
3
Length of Rotation Period
Specified
- 2 years
Analysis
One of the three authorized text warnings must occupy 75% of the two principal display areas of a tobacco product package, placed towards the top of the package. An English version of the warning must appear on one surface and a Malay version on the other surface. If the package is cylindrical or conical, the warning must appear on the largest surface. If the package is spherical, the warning must appear on the external surface. Each of the three warnings should appear on an equal number of containers of each kind of tobacco product over the course of a two-year period. The law does not specify how frequently the warnings are to be updated and the same warnings have been in effect since 2007.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with regard to size and rotation over time for the warnings. However, to fully align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require pictorial warnings on smokeless tobacco products. In addition, the law should require that the health warnings be updated every 12-24 months.
