Last updated: August 7, 2020
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The 1979 Ordinance requires health warnings on “packets” and the SRO requires health warnings on “packets” and “outers.” Thus, the health warning is required on the retail unit package.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this respect.
Warning/messages required on outside packaging and labeling (e.g., cartons)
The 1979 Ordinance requires health warnings on “packets” and the SRO requires health warnings on “packets” and “outers.” Thus, the health warning is required outside packaging such as cartons.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 in this respect.
Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country
Warning texts must appear in Urdu on the front of the package and English on the back.
This legislative provision meets the FCTC Art. 11 requirements of warning texts 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
The 1979 Ordinance and SRO do not specify that messages may not be placed where they may be damaged or concealed when opening the pack.
The law should specifically prohibit the placement of warnings where they may be damaged or concealed when opening the pack as stated in the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines.
A requirement that tax stamps or other required markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages
The 1979 Ordinance and SRO do not specify that tax stamps or other required markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require 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
The 1979 Ordinance and SRO are silent as to constituents and emissions disclosures.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require display of qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions disclosures.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
The 1979 Ordinance and SRO are silent as to constituents and emissions disclosures. It is neither required nor prohibited.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, figures for emission yields should be prohibited.
Plain or standardized packaging
Plain packaging of tobacco products is not required in Pakistan. The FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines provide that Parties should consider adopting plain packaging measures that restrict or prohibit the use of logos, colors, brand images, or other promotional information on packaging other than brand and product names displayed in a standard color and font style. Plain packaging aims to reduce the appeal of tobacco products, to increase the noticeability of health warnings, and to reduce the ability of the packaging of tobacco products to mislead consumers about the harmful effects of smoking.
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 1979 Ordinance and the SRO do not address 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.
To meet FCTC Art. 11, the law should prohibit 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.
