Last updated: October 6, 2023
Other Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Warning requirements on unit packaging and labeling (e.g., packs)
The law requires health warnings on 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)
It is uncertain whether the law requires warnings on outside packaging and labeling. The law defines the term “outer wrapping” to include both unit packs and cartons, but the term is then not used in the substantive provisions. (Note, this could be an issue of translation.)
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require warnings on unit and outside packaging and labeling.
Warning texts must be in the principal language(s) of the country
The law requires that health warnings be written in Arabic and English.
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 with respect to warnings text being 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 prohibits the use of any means to conceal the health warnings. However, the law does not explicitly state that warnings may not be placed where they may be permanently damaged or concealed when opening the pack. Therefore, the regulatory status code "Uncertain" is given.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should explicitly state that warnings 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 prohibits the use of any means to conceal the health warnings. However, the law does not explicitly state that tax stamps or other markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages. Therefore, the regulatory status code "Uncertain" is given.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should explicitly state that tax stamps or other markings may not be placed where they may conceal warnings or messages.
A requirement to display qualitative (descriptive) constituents and emissions messages
The law does not require the display of qualitative constituents and emissions messages.
To align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, the law should require qualitative constituent and emissions statements on tobacco product packaging.
Prohibition on the display of figures for emission yields (including tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide)
There is no prohibition on 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 does not prohibit misleading tobacco product packaging and labeling.
To meet FCTC Art. 11, the tobacco control regulations should be amended to prohibit misleading tobacco product packaging and labeling.
