Last updated: August 27, 2021
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires that each unit packet of a tobacco product placed on the market carry health warnings.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with regard to warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling.
Warning/messages required on outside packaging and labeling (e.g., cartons)
The law requires that any outside packaging placed on the market carry health warnings.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with regard to warning/messages required on outside packaging and labeling.
Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country
The law requires that the health warnings be in Latvian, the official state language.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with regard to warning text 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 the health warning remain intact upon opening. On packages with flip-top lids, the law states that health warnings can be separated upon opening but that the “graphical wholeness” and “visual impact” of the text, photographs, and information on cessation must be ensured.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with regard to the requirement 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 health warnings be printed so that they are not completely or partially hidden by tax stamps, price tags, safety elements, wrappers, covers or other means.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with regard to the 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 requires that each smoked tobacco product include the text “[T]obacco smoke contains over 70 substances known to cause cancer.” Under the regulations, this message must appear on 50% of one side panel.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to 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 prohibits the display of information about the nicotine, tar or carbon monoxide content on packaging and labeling.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in prohibiting the display of figures for emission yields.
Plain or standardized packaging
Plain packaging of tobacco products is not required in Latvia.
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 packaging and labeling that promotes a tobacco product or encourages its consumption by creating an erroneous impression about the relevant tobacco product’s characteristics, health effects, risks or emissions. In addition, the law prohibits any packaging and labeling that suggests that a particular tobacco product is less harmful than others or aims to reduce the effect of some harmful components of smoke or has energizing, vitalizing, healing, rejuvenating, natural, organic properties or has other health or lifestyle benefits.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with regard to the prohibition on misleading tobacco product packaging and labeling including terms, descriptors, trademarks, or figurative or other signs.
