Last updated: July 29, 2023
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires warnings on every tobacco product “package”, which is defined to include all retail packaging, including unit packaging.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warning labels on unit packaging.
Warning/messages required on outside packaging and labeling (e.g., cartons)
The law requires warnings on every tobacco product “package”, which is defined to include all retail packaging, including outside packaging.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warning labels on outside packaging.
Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country
Warning text must be in English, the official language of Sierra Leone.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warning text 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 law does not require that warnings or messages not be placed where they may be permanently damaged or concealed when opening the pack.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require that warnings or messages may not be placed where they may be permanently damaged or concealed when opening the pack.
A requirement that tax stamps or other required markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages
The law does not require that tax stamps or other required markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or other messages.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require that warnings and messages may not be placed where they may be concealed by tax stamps or other required markings.
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
The law requires the display of the following qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions message on smoked tobacco products: “Tobacco smoke contains over 70 substances known to cause cancer.”
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with respect to qualitative constituent and emissions messages.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
There is no prohibition for the display of figures for emission yields on tobacco product packaging.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should prohibit the display of figurative yields on tobacco product packaging as these figures can be misleading to consumers.
Plain or standardized packaging
Plain packaging of tobacco products is not required. 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 law prohibits tobacco promotion by false, misleading or deceptive means, or in a manner that is likely to create an erroneous impression about the characteristics, health effects, health hazards, or social effects of tobacco or tobacco products. This is interpreted as prohibiting misleading terms, descriptors, trademarks, figurative or other signs on tobacco product packaging.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to 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. However, to clarify the scope of the ban, regulations should be issued that explicitly state that such terms and descriptors are banned on tobacco product packaging.
