Last updated: April 19, 2024
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires that warnings be placed both packs and outer packaging of tobacco products. Therefore, warnings are required on unit packaging and labeling.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this regard.
Warning/messages required on outside packaging and labeling (e.g., cartons)
The law requires that warnings be placed both packs and outer packaging of tobacco products. Therefore, warnings are required on outside packaging and labeling.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this regard.
Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country
The law provides that the warnings must be in German, the principal language of the country.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this regard.
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 warnings not be hidden, obscured, or separated when opening the package (with the exception of hinged lid packs, where the graphic integrity and legibility must be maintained).
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 warnings not be obscured or separated by security features, price tags, or other identifying features.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in this respect.
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
The law requires that the following information message be displayed on the lateral side of packages of cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, and waterpipe tobacco: "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 a requirement to display a qualitative constituents and emissions message.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
The law prohibits the display of information on packaging that indicates the tar, nicotine, or carbon monoxide content.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to a prohibition on the display of figures for emissions yields.
Plain or standardized packaging
Plain packaging of tobacco products is not required in Germany. The FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines provide that Parties should consider adopting plain packaging measures that restrict or prohibit the use of logos, colors, brand images, or other promotional information on packaging other than brand and product names displayed in a standard color and font style. Plain packaging aims to reduce the appeal of tobacco products, to increase the noticeability of health warnings, and to reduce the ability of the packaging of tobacco products to mislead consumers about the harmful effects of smoking.
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 marketing of tobacco products using misleading information on packaging or on the product itself.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this respect.
