Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
65% of Front, 65% of Back, Side(s)
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
14
Length of Rotation Period
Specified
- 12 months
Analysis
Packages of cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, and waterpipe tobacco must display one of 14 combined picture/text health warnings covering 65% of the front and back of the package. These packages must also display a general warning (“Smoking kills”) and an informational warning (“Tobacco smoke contains over 70 substances known to cause cancer”) covering 50% of each lateral side of the package. There are three sets of 14 combined picture/text warnings. Each set is to be used for one year and then the next set is used. The 14 warnings within each set must be displayed to the extent possible in equal numbers on each brand of tobacco products.
Packages of other smoked tobacco products are exempt from the requirement to carry the combined picture/text warning and informational warning. These products must carry the general warning and one of 14 text warnings. The general warning must cover 32% of the most visible surface. The text warning must cover 45% of the next most visible surface. Each text warning must be displayed to the extent possible in equal numbers on each brand of these products.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 and aligns with the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to size, location, and rotation of health warnings on packages of smoked tobacco products.
