Last updated: June 11, 2024

Health Warnings/Messages Features

Type of product: Smoked Tobacco Products
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Pictures (Photos), Text Warnings/Messages
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
30% of Front, 40% of Back
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
16
Length of Rotation Period
Uncertain
Analysis

The Regulations require that one of two text warnings appear on the front of the package, occupying at least 30% of the front of the package. One of 14 combined text and picture warnings must appear on the back of the package, occupying at least 40% of the back of the package. The warnings must be printed in black on a white background and be enclosed by a black border between 3mm and 4mm in width outside the area reserved for the warning. A quitline number must appear on both sides of the package, outside the area reserved for the warning. The warnings must be rotated so as to ensure regular appearance of each warning. The Act and Regulations do not specify how frequently the warnings shall be updated or revised by the Directorate.

In addition to the requirements related to health warnings, standardized or "plain" packaging is required for cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, and snus as of July 1, 2018.

While the law meets the minimum size requirements of FCTC Art. 11 (at least 30%), to fully align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require that warnings cover at least 50% of both principal display areas, and include picture warnings on both display areas. In addition, the law should mandate that the responsible authority update the content of the warnings every 12 to 36 months.

Type of product: Smokeless Tobacco Products
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Text Warnings/Messages
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
30% of Front
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
1
Length of Rotation Period
Uncertain
Analysis

The Regulations require that one text health warning be displayed on the most visible side of the package and cover at least 30% of that side. If the package is larger than 75 cm2, the warning must occupy at least 22.5 cm2. The warning must be printed in black on a white background and be enclosed by a black border between 3mm and 4mm in width outside the area reserved for the warning. A quitline number must appear on both sides of the package, outside the area reserved for the warning. The Act and Regulations do not specify how frequently the warning shall be updated or revised by the Directorate.

In addition to the requirements related to health warnings, standardized or "plain" packaging is required for cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, and snus as of July 1, 2018.

The law does not align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines because it requires the display of only one health message on one principal display area. To fully align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require that one of a multiple set of picture warnings be displayed on both sides of the package of smokeless tobacco products, occupying at least 50% of the display area. In addition, the law should mandate that the warnings be updated every 12 to 36 months.