Last updated: October 31, 2024

Health Warnings/Messages Features

Type of product: Smoked Tobacco Products
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Pictures (Photos), Text Warnings/Messages
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
70% of Front, 70% of Back, Side(s)
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
1
Length of Rotation Period
Specified 12 months
Analysis

Currently, a single text warning (“Abuse is dangerous to health) must be printed on one lateral side of tobacco product packaging. 

However, as of December 18, 2024, the law will require that a combined picture/text warning occupy 70% of the front and back surfaces of tobacco product packaging. There will be two combined picture/text warnings in a 24-month period. Each of the two warnings shall be used for a 12-month period. The set of warnings must be updated after 24 months. Informational messages on the risk and negative socioeconomic impacts of tobacco use must cover 65% of each lateral surface. In addition, a smoking cessation help message must be displayed on the main surfaces of each tobacco product package.

Current warnings do not meet FCTC Art. 11. However, as of December 18, 2024, the law will meet FCTC Art. 11 and align with the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to size, location, and rotation of health warnings on packages on smoked tobacco products. 

Type of product: Smokeless Tobacco Products
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Pictures (Photos), Text Warnings/Messages
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
70% of Front, 70% of Back, Side(s)
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
1
Length of Rotation Period
Specified 12 months
Analysis

Currently, a single text warning (“Abuse is dangerous to health) must be printed on one lateral side of tobacco product packaging. 

However, as of December 18, 2024, the law will require that a combined picture/text warning occupy 70% of the front and back surfaces of tobacco product packaging. There will be two combined picture/text warnings in a 24-month period. Each of the two warnings shall be used for a 12-month period. The set of warnings must be updated after 24 months. Informational messages on the risk and negative socioeconomic impacts of tobacco use must cover 65% of each lateral surface.In addition, a smoking cessation help message must be displayed on the main surfaces of each tobacco product package. 

Current warnings do not meet FCTC Art. 11. However, as of December 18, 2024, the law will meet FCTC Art. 11 and align with the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to size, location, and rotation of health warnings on packages on smoked tobacco products.