Analysis
Standardized (plain) packaging is required for all packs of cigarettes and rolling tobacco.
All smoked tobacco products must carry one of 14 authorized combined text/pictorial health warnings occupying 65% of the front and back of the tobacco product package. The warning must be placed on the upper edge of the package. The health warnings must be framed by a black border with a width of one millimeter. Information on quitting must be placed below the warning.
There are three sets of 14 authorized combined warnings that must be rotated yearly - Set 1 from May 20, 2016 to May 19, 2017, Set 2 from May 20, 2017 to May 19, 2018, and Set 3 from May 20, 2018 to May 19, 2019. Each of the 14 combined warnings must be used equally over the course of the year.
A general warning - “Smoking Kills” - must occupy 50% of one lateral side of the package. An informational message - “Tobacco smoke contains more than 70 carcinogenic substances.” - must occupy 50% of the other lateral side.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 and aligns with the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to the size, content, format, location, and rotation of the warnings and messages.
