Last updated: March 12, 2021
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires combined pictorial and text health warnings on all packs of tobacco products.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling.
Warning/messages required on outside packaging and labeling (e.g., cartons)
The law requires combined pictorial and text health warnings on all “packs” (defined to include packaging containing multiple packs of tobacco products such as cartons) and cartons of tobacco products.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warnings required on outside packaging and labeling.
Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country
The law requires the health warnings “be written in the official languages of Mauritania.”
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warning text being in the principal language(s) 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 does not require that health warnings not be placed where they may be permanently damaged or concealed when opening the pack.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law or forthcoming administrate order should require that health warnings 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 prohibits health warnings from being concealed or covered by other markings or images.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to requiring that tax stamps or other required markings not be placed where they may conceal health warnings.
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
The law states that each pack, carton, and other external packaging “must display statement concerning the composition of the product.” However, the lateral message prescribed in the ministerial order states "Quitting Smoking Is Possible". Because this warning does not address qualitative constituents and emissions information, the regulatory status code "No" is given.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require qualitative constituents and emissions messages be displayed on tobacco product packaging.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
The law prohibits figures for emission yields, including, but no limited to, tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide, on tobacco product packaging and labeling.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the Art. 11 Guidelines in this respect.
Plain or standardized packaging
Plain packaging of tobacco products is not required. 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 misleading tobacco product packaging and labeling, including terms, descriptors, trademarks, figurative, or other signs that directly or indirectly create a false impression that a tobacco product is less harmful than other tobacco products.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this respect.
