Last updated: December 22, 2021
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires health warnings on all units of packaging of tobacco and tobacco products, including rolling papers. Therefore, warnings are required on all unit packaging and labeling. The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to unit packaging and labeling.
Warning/messages required on outside packaging and labeling (e.g., cartons)
The law requires general and specific warnings on all external packaging of tobacco and tobacco products. Therefore, warnings are required on all cartons. The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warnings on outside packaging and labeling.
Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country
The law requires all health warnings to be in French. The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warnings being 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 health warnings remain intact upon opening of the unit package. 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 health warnings not be concealed or broken up, partially or completely, by markings intended for identification and traceability, by security devices, by outer wrappings, envelopes, boxes, or any other element. The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to the requirement that warnings or messages cannot be obscured by tax stamps or other required markings.
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
The law requires the following qualitative constituents and emissions message one side of the tobacco product package: “Tobacco smoke contains more than 70 carcinogenic substances.” The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to the display of qualitative constituent and emissions messages.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
The law prohibits “any element or device” that gives “an erroneous impression with regard to the characteristics, health effects, risks or emissions,” which includes “figurative or other signs.” Therefore, the law prohibits the display of figures for emission yields. The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in this respect.
Plain or standardized packaging
As of January 1, 2017, "neutral and standardized" packaging of cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco 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 sizes, colors, and placement. Roll-your-own 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 on tobacco product packaging “any element or device” that creates “an erroneous impression with regard to the characteristics, health effects, risks or emissions” of the product, including “messages, symbols, names, commercial brands, figurative or other signs.”
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to misleading tobacco product packaging and labeling.
