Last updated: June 1, 2023
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires warnings on the “package”, defined as “a packet, bottle, card or any other similar material into which the cigar or tobacco product is collected and inserted and which packs the same.”
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this regard.
Warning/messages required on outside packaging and labeling (e.g., cartons)
The order specifying the health warning requirements calls for health warnings on "retailed cigarette packs," which includes both unit and outside packaging (e.g., cartons).
To meet FCTC Art. 11, it should be required that health warnings be displayed on all retail packaging and labeling used in the retail sale of the product.
Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country
The law specifies that the Ministry of Health must determine the “caption” of health warnings in the Burmese language.
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 order specifying the health warning requirements states that the image must not be faded away or detached when opening or closing the cigarette pack. In addition, the order prohibits the warning from being destroyed or covered.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in this regard.
A requirement that tax stamps or other required markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages
The order specifying the health warning requirements prohibits the image or text of the warning from being covered by a stamp. Instead, the tax stamp is required to be placed on the top portion of the right-side of the package. In addition, the order prohibits otherwise covering the image or text of the health warnings.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in this regard.
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
The order requires two qualitative constituents and emissions messages to printed on the lateral sides of all unit and outside packaging and labeling of cigarettes. One side must read "Cigarettes contain carcinogenic materials like Nitrosamine and Benzopyrene. Quit smoking." The other side must read "Nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide contained in cigarettes can cause heart and lung diseases. Quit Smoking."
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in this regard.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
The order prohibits "text statements, symbols, numerical signs, and other statements such as mentioning constituents." This is interpreted as prohibiting the display of figures for emission yields.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in this regard.
Plain or standardized packaging
As of March 31. 2024, plain packaging of all packages of cigarettes is required.
Cigarette packaging must be in a standard texture and color (i.e., Pantone 448C). Only prescribed information may appear on product packaging, including brand name and variant. The law further provides for the appearance of this information, requiring such items as standardized font, font sizes, and colors. Cigarette packaging further shall not emit any sound or attractive odor. Certain elements of other tobacco product packaging are standardized as well.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to plain packaging.
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 the use of terms, including "low tar" and "light," pictures, and symbols implying that cigarettes don't cause several health problems or with similar meanings. In addition, text statements, symbols, numerical signs, and other statements implying that a product is "safer or beneficial for consumers" are prohibited. Finally, the law requires plain packaging of cigarettes.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to prohibiting misleading tobacco packaging and labeling.
