Last updated: August 27, 2024
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires combined health warnings to be printed on both the unit packet and the container packet.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this respect.
Warning/messages required on outside packaging and labeling (e.g., cartons)
The law requires combined health warnings to be printed on both the unit packet and the container packet. "Container packet" is defined to include both the unit packet and a group of unit packets. Therefore, combined health warnings are required on outside packaging and labeling.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this respect.
Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country
The law requires that the combined health warning statements be written in Arabic or English, as determined by the Gulf Committee for Tobacco Control. The information message and the general health warnings required to appear on the side panels must be written in Arabic
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to the warning text being in the principal language(s) 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
The law requires that the combined health warning be printed "indelibly and irremovably on the package in all package states, whether it is sealed or it has been opened." For a unit packet with a flip top lid, the combined health warning can be divided when the package is opened as long as the information "is not affected."
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in this respect.
A requirement that tax stamps or other required markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages
The law prohibits hiding or breaking up the combined health warning by means of a "wrapper, lid, box, price tax, stamp of any local or foreign agency, or anything else."
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to tax stamps or other required markings not being placed where they may conceal warnings or messages.
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
The law requires an information message to cover 50% of one lateral side of the package. Unit packets for roll-your-own tobacco or almeassel tobacco which do not have sides (e.g., pouch, cylindrical packet) are excluded from this requirement. However, the contents of the required statement is unknown. Therefore, the regulatory status code "Uncertain" is given.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require a qualitative constituents and emissions message on each tobacco product package.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
The law prohibits the display of tobacco product packaging of a product's nicotine, tar, or carbon monoxide content.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to the display of figures for levels of tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide.
Plain or standardized packaging
As of July 4, 2024, plain packaging is required for all available tobacco products.
Cigarette packaging must be a standard shape, material, texture, and color (i.e., Pantone 448C). Only prescribed information may appear on product packaging, including the brand and type of product. The law further provides for the appearance of this information, requiring such items as standardized font, font sizes, colors, and placement. Certain elements of other tobacco product packaging are standardized as well. Packaging further may not have sound, smell, or any feature that changes after sale to the consumer.
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 on tobacco product packaging marketing by means of messages about its characteristics, health effects, riskiness, or emissions. In addition, the law prohibits any suggestion that a product is less harmful than other products, that it aims to reduce the harmful effects of smoking, that it has properties that are essential, stimulating, therapeutic, refreshing, natural, or organic, or that it has any health benefits. Taken together, these provisions prohibit misleading tobacco packaging and labeling.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to misleading tobacco product packaging and labeling.
