United Arab Emirates

Pack warnings provisions require authorized picture/text warnings to occupy no less than 50% of the bottom of the main display area of the package’s front and back. If the package front and back is not easily identifiable, the front panel is the largest panel and the back panel is the second largest panel. Warning text must be (1) on the bottom of the package; (2) no more than 40% of the total area of the warning; (3) in Arabic on the front panel and English on the back panel; and (4) in bold black on a white background in specified fonts and size. The warnings must be surrounded by a 1mm black frame and reproduced from the CD accompanying the Specifications. Pack warnings must be rotated “as required by the public interest.” The status, “Uncertain,” accordingly is given to the rotation category.

These provisions align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with regard to size, composition, and front and back location requirements. To more fully align with the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, however, the law should specify that health warnings should appear on an equal number of retail packages to ensure the concurrent display of messages.

The law does not distinguish between health warnings on smoked and smokeless tobacco product packages. Therefore, the same requirements are interpreted as applying to both smoked and smokeless products. Pack warnings provisions require authorized picture/text warnings to occupy no less than 50% of the bottom of the main display area of the package’s front and back. If the package front and back is not easily identifiable, the front panel is the largest panel and the back panel is the second largest panel. Warning text must be (1) on the bottom of the package; (2) no more than 40% of the total area of the warning; (3) in Arabic on the front panel and English on the back panel; and (4) in bold black on a white background in specified fonts and size. The warnings must be surrounded by a 1mm black frame and reproduced from the CD accompanying the Specifications. Pack warnings must be rotated “as required by the public interest.” The status, “Uncertain,” accordingly is given to the rotation category.

These provisions align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines with regard to size, composition, and front and back location requirements. To more fully align with the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, however, the law should specify that health warnings should appear on an equal number of retail packages to ensure the concurrent display of messages. In addition, the law should require health warnings that are specific to smokeless tobacco products.