Last updated: February 26, 2024
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires that all packs, boxes, cases or any other packaging of a tobacco product placed on the market carry a health warning. This includes unit packaging and labeling.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this respect.
Warning/messages required on outside packaging and labeling (e.g., cartons)
The law requires that all packs, boxes, cases or any other packaging of a tobacco product placed on the market carry a health warning. This includes outside packaging and labeling.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this respect.
Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country
The law requires health warnings to appear in English and French.
Therefore, the law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to requiring warnings in the principal languages 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
Thus, the law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in this respect.
A requirement that tax stamps or other required markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages
The law requires that the health warning and messages cannot be obscured by any other required markings.
Thus, the law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in this respect.
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
The law prohibits "all information relating to tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide content as well as any indication of constituents and emissions" on tobacco product packaging. This is interpreted as prohibiting the display of qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should affirmatively require qualitative constituents and emissions messages.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
The law prohibits "all information relating to tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide content as well as any indication of constituents and emissions" on tobacco product packaging.
Thus, the law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in this respect.
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 the use of terms, descriptors, or other signs that suggest that a tobacco product is less harmful than other tobacco products.
Thus, the law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this respect.
