Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
50% of Front, 50% of Back
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
2
Length of Rotation Period
Specified
- 2 years
Analysis
Health warnings comprised of text and pictograms are required to cover at least 50% of the main surfaces of the packs and cartons of cigarettes and cigars. The text of the warnings must be printed in bold characters, in font size 15, and in one or more colors to ensure optimal visibility and legibility. The required pictograms must be accompanied by specific images of adverse health effects of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. The warnings are to appear in a series of two and must be renewed every two years pursuant to orders made by the Minister of Health.
These provisions align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to cigarettes and cigars in that they require graphic warnings that occupy 50% of each main display areas of packaging of such tobacco products. However, to fully align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the health warning requirements should apply to all tobacco products.
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
Rotation
Not Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
0
Length of Rotation Period
Unspecified
Analysis
The law requires health warnings to be displayed on all tobacco products and to cover at least 30% of the back of the packaging. The law also authorizes the Ministry to Health to prescribe the health warnings by an administrative order and authorizes such warnings to be in the form of drawings or pictograms. However, as of the date of this review and to the best of our knowledge, the Ministry of Health has not prescribed health warnings for any smokeless tobacco products.
