Last updated: September 17, 2019
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires that warnings be printed on outer packaging. This is interpreted as requiring warnings on unit packaging. The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this respect.
Warning/messages required on outside packaging and labeling (e.g., cartons)
The law requires warnings on outside packaging and labeling of tobacco products. The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this respect.
Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country
The text component of the warnings must be in one of the languages of Burundi. The law requires that locally manufactured products must have the health warnings in Kirundi in addition to the international languages recognized in matters of commerce.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to requiring that warnings be in the principal language(s) 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 does not specify that warnings or messages may not be placed where they may be damaged or concealed when opening the pack. 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 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 does not specify that tax stamps or other required markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages. To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should specifically prohibit the placement of tax stamps or other required markings where they may conceal warnings or messages.
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
The law does not require qualitative constituent and emissions messages. Rather, the law requires the average nicotine content, as well as the average content of tar and other substances likely to be released by combustion, are to be stated on each package.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to qualitative constituent and emissions statements on tobacco product packaging. FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines para. 44 provides that the display of figures for emission yields (such as tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide) should be prohibited because such yield numbers are misleading.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
The law does not prohibit the display of figures for emission yields but rather requires the display of quantitative emission yields. To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should affirmatively require qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages and prohibit the display of quantitative yields of emissions.
Plain or standardized packaging
Plain packaging of tobacco products is not required in Burundi. 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 labels that provide misleading information about the potential harmful impact of the tobacco product including information about health, risks or emissions. This includes terms that may confuse consumers like "light," "ultra light," or "mild."
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to prohibiting misleading tobacco product packaging and labeling.
