Last updated: February 11, 2024
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires health warnings in the form of pictures and text on every packet, package or carton containing cigarettes or other tobacco products.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warnings on unit packaging.
Warning/messages required on outside packaging and labeling (e.g., cartons)
The law requires health warnings in the form of pictures and text on every packet, package or carton containing cigarettes or other tobacco products.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warnings on outside packaging and labeling.
Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country
Regulations require health warnings and other information to be in three languages – Sinhala, Tamil and English.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to requiring warning text to be in the principal languages 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 regulations do not require that health warnings must be displayed in such a way that the opening of the package does not obscure the warnings.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should make clear that the health warning may not be damaged or concealed when the pack is opened.
A requirement that tax stamps or other required markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages
Regulations specify that the health warnings on each cigarette packet, package or carton containing cigarettes shall not be concealed by any marks or pictures. This is interpreted to include tax stamps and other required markings. The regulations do not address the display of warnings or messages on tobacco products other than cigarettes.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the regulations should apply to all tobacco products (not just cigarettes).
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
The law does not require descriptive constituent and emissions statements. The law, conversely, requires the nicotine and tar contents to be printed on tobacco product packages, a requirement which may mislead consumers into believing one tobacco product is safer than another.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require the display of qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions disclosures and prohibit the display of quantitative (numerical) constituent and emission levels.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
The law does not prohibit the display of figures for emission yields. The law, conversely, requires the nicotine and tar contents to be printed on tobacco product packages, a requirement which may mislead consumers into believing one tobacco product is safer than another.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should prohibit the display of figures for emission yields.
Plain or standardized packaging
Plain packaging of tobacco products is not required in Sri Lanka. 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)
Regulations prohibit the misleading packaging and labeling of tobacco products; however, it is unclear if the prohibition is limited to misleading words or also includes trademarks and figurative and other signs. Accordingly, the regulatory status “Some Restrictions” is given.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to misleading terms and descriptors. However, to fully meet FCTC Art. 11, the law should make clear that misleading signs and symbols also are banned.
