Last updated: August 2, 2022

Health Warnings/Messages Features

Type of product: Smoked Tobacco Products
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Pictures (Photos), Text Warnings/Messages
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
90% of Front, 90% of Back, Side(s)
Rotation
Uncertain
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
1
Length of Rotation Period
Specified - 12 months
Analysis

The law requires that the warning and photograph on each package be no less than 90% of the surface area. On the front of the package, the different components should cover the following percentages:
- Health warning main message – 13.7%
- Cessation message – 6.8%
- Graphic image – 62.6%
- Image description – 6.9%

On the back of the package, the different components should cover the following percentages:
- Health warning main message – 28.7%
- Cessation message – 9.1%
- Graphic image – 46.5%
- Image description – 5.7%

In addition, the sides of the package must include additional messages covering 61.7%. One message describes the harmful substances in tobacco, and the other provides cessation advice.

On cartons, the graphic image must cover at least 50%, and the textual components must cover at least 40%. Requirements are further specified for cuboid designs, cylindrical packages, and cigar tubes.

The law requires that where the Ministry has specified more than one warning for that product, the health warning (health warning message and graphic image) should be revised once in every 12 months. However, the regulations only list one health warning for smoked tobacco products.

The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to size and location. However, to more fully align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require rotating health warnings and messages.

Type of product: Smokeless Tobacco Products
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Pictures (Photos), Text Warnings/Messages
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
90% of Front, 90% of Back, Side(s)
Rotation
Uncertain
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
1
Length of Rotation Period
Specified - 12 months
Analysis

The law requires that the warning and photograph on each package be no less than 90% of the surface area. On packages with a cuboid shape, the graphic image must cover at least 41%, and the textual components (health warning message, cessation message, image description, explanatory message, and cessation advice) must cover at least 49%. On the tops of cylindrical containers, the graphic image must cover at least 70%, and the textual components (health warning message, cessation message, and image description) must cover at least 20%. The requirements for health warnings on the sides of cylindrical containers vary based on the height-width ratio.

The law requires that where the Ministry has specified more than one warning for that product, the health warning (health warning message and graphic image) should be revised once in every 12 months. However, the regulations only list one health warning for smokeless tobacco products.

The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to size and location. However, to more fully align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require rotating health warnings and messages.