Analysis
The law requires that tobacco products display a text and picture health warning covering at least 50% of the principal display (front and back) of the pack. Warnings should be located on the lower half of the principal display surfaces.
The regulations include two sets of health warning messages, with each set containing eight messages. Each set is to be rotated over a one-year period, including a four-month transition period during which a new set is introduced whiled the existing set is phased out. The warnings within each set are to be evenly distributed within every case.
Cartons must display any three of the prescribed warnings on all six sides, with each of the three warnings appearing on opposite sides of each other.
In addition, each carton or pack must display the following declaration (generally located on the side panel): “Smoke from this product contains extremely addictive nicotine and toxic substances such as tar and carbon monoxide. No safe level of consumption exists for this product.”
The law meets FCTC Art. 11 and aligns with the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in that warnings meet the minimum size requirements of covering at least 30% (and more than 50%) of the principal display areas, the warnings contain pictures as well as text, and rotation is required. To more fully align, the contents of the warnings to appear on smokeless tobacco products should pertain to the health effects of smokeless tobacco.
