Last updated: January 9, 2023
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires that a health warning message “appear on each pack and carton of a tobacco product.”
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 that a health warning message “appear on each pack and carton of a tobacco product.”
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
Health warnings must be in the state language of Georgia, and in the Abkhazian language when distributed in the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warning text appearing 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
The law states that health warning messages may not be placed in such a manner that opening the package destroys or detaches the warning.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to warnings not being 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 states that health warning messages may not be covered by other printed information or images.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to a requirement that tax stamps or other required markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages.
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
The law does not require qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages to be displayed on tobacco product packaging.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require the display of qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
The law states that “[n]otations on emissions from tobacco products may be displayed on tobacco products according to the rules defined by the Government of Georgia until January 1, 2019.” This provision is interpreted as prohibiting the display of figures for emissions yields.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to the prohibition of figurative yields on tobacco product packaging.
Plain or standardized packaging
Plain packaging of tobacco products is not currently required in Georgia. The law was amended in 2017 to require plain packaging. Plain packaging will enter into force on July 31, 2024 at both the manufacturer and retailer levels. The effective date has been delayed several times.
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 tobacco product packaging from including false or misleading information. The law specifically prohibits information that might, directly or indirectly, create a false impression of the product’s harmful substances or effects. This includes words, abbreviations, signs, images, charts, and number. The law bans the words “light”, “mild”, and “low tar” among others.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with regard to misleading tobacco product packaging and labeling.
