Last updated: August 27, 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
65% of Front, 65% of Back, Side(s)
Rotation
Uncertain
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
Uncertain
Length of Rotation Period
Uncertain
Analysis

Combined picture and text health warnings are required to cover 65% of the front and back of the package. In addition, a general health warning are required to cover 50% of one side and a health information message on 50% of the other side (these messages are not required on unit packets of roll-your-own tobacco or almeassel tobacco which do not have sides (e.g., pouches or cylindrical packages)).

The specific warnings to appear, including their number, content, and requirements for rotation, are uncertain, however. The standard states that "[t]he combined health warning will be changed periodically as determined by the Gulf Committee for Tobacco Control."

In addition, plain packaging is required for all available tobacco products.

The law meets FCTC Art. 11 and aligns with the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with regard to size (at least 50%) and content (text and pictures). However, to align more fully, the law should specify the number, content, and rotation requirements of the health warnings.

Type of product: Smokeless Tobacco Products
Type of Warnings / Messages Required
Not Required
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
Rotation
Not Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
N/A
Length of Rotation Period
Unspecified - N/A
Analysis

Ministerial Decree No. 38/2010 and Public Authority for Consumer Protection Resolution No. 256/2015 prohibit the sale of all smokeless tobacco products.