Last updated: May 11, 2023
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires warnings on unit packaging and labeling.
The law meets 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 warnings on outside packaging and labeling.
The law meets 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 requires that warning text appears in both Finnish and Swedish.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warning text appearing 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 warning labels remain intact when opening the packaging. For packets with a flip-top lid, warning labels may be split when opening the packet, but only in a manner that ensures their graphical integrity and visibility.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines that warnings or messages may not be placed where they may be permanently 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 requires that he warning labels may not be hidden and must be fully visible. This is interpreted as requiring tax stamps and other required markings from not being placed where they may conceal warnings or messages.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to a requirement that warnings and messages may not be placed where they may be concealed by tax stamps or other required markings.
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
The law requires the following ‘informational message’ to be displayed on 50% of one side panel of product packaging: “Tobacco smoke contains over 70 substances known to cause cancer.”
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to qualitative constituent and emissions messages.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
The law prohibits any display of information about the nicotine, tar, or carbon monoxide content of tobacco products.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to the display of figures for emission yields on tobacco product packaging.
Plain or standardized packaging
As of May 1, 2023, plain packaging of tobacco products is required.
Cigarette packaging must be in a standard shape and color (i.e., Pantone 448C). Only prescribed information may appear on product packaging, including brand name and variant. The law further provides for the appearance of this information, requiring such items as standardized font, font size, colors, and placement. Other tobacco packaging is standardized as well.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to plain packaging.
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 any packaging and labeling that promotes the product or encourages its consumption by creating an erroneous impression about its characteristics, health effects, risks, or emissions, or suggests that the product is less harmful than others or aims to reduce the effect of some harmful components of smoke.
The law also prohibits any packaging or labeling that suggests that the product has vitalizing, energetic, healing, rejuvenating, natural or organic properties or that its use has other health or lifestyle benefits; has environmental advantages; or is fire safe or otherwise create an impression that the product is not dangerous or that it has a reduced fire risk compared to other similar products.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to prohibiting the use of terms, descriptors, and other signs that directly or indirectly create a false impression that a tobacco product is less harmful than other tobacco products.
