Last updated: January 31, 2025
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
Every unit packet and outer packaging of smoking tobacco products must contain a general warning, an informational message and a combined health warning.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warning labels on unit packaging.
Warning/messages required on outside packaging and labeling (e.g., cartons)
Every unit packet and outer packaging of smoking tobacco products must contain a general warning, an informational message and a combined health warning.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warning labels on outside packaging.
Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country
Health warnings must be in the official language or languages of the country.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warning text appearing 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
Health warnings must remain intact when opening the pack.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to warnings not being 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
Health warnings must be fully visible, including not being partially or totally hidden or interrupted by tax stamps, price marks, security features, wrappers, jackets, boxes, or other items.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to a 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
Each unit packet and any outside packaging of tobacco products for smoking must carry the following information message: ‘Tobacco smoke contains over 70 substances known to cause cancer.’
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to qualitative constituent and emissions messages.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
Tobacco product packaging may not contain misleading terms and descriptors. This includes figurative elements, including figures for emissions yields.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to the display of figures for emission yields on tobacco product packaging.
Plain or standardized packaging
As of October 1, 2021, plain packaging of all cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco is required.
Cigarette packaging must be in a standard shape 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. Roll-your-own tobacco packaging is standardized as well. Packaging may not have inserts, onserts, make a noise, contain a scent, or have any features designed to change the packaging after retail sale.
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)
Tobacco product packaging may not contain any element or feature that a) promotes a tobacco product or encourages its consumption by creating an erroneous impression about its characteristics, health effects, risks or emissions; or b) suggests that a particular tobacco product is less harmful than others. The elements and features that are prohibited pursuant may include but are not limited to texts, symbols, names, trademarks, figurative or other signs.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to the use of terms, descriptors, or other signs that directly or indirectly create a false impression that a tobacco product is less harmful than other tobacco products.
