Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
50% of Front, 50% of Back
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
6
Length of Rotation Period
Specified
- 2 years
Analysis
Tobacco products must carry pictorial health warnings covering 50 percent of the front and back of unit and outside packaging and labeling. Six prescribed warnings must be concurrently displayed for a two-year period, after which the warnings must be changed.
The government is required to increase the size of warnings within a certain time period it deems “suitable." As of the date of this review, the warning size increase and time period have not been specified.
The requirements for health warnings/messages align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines.
Location and Size of Warnings / Messages on Unit Packaging
50% of Front, 50% of Back, Uncertain
Rotation
Required
Number of Warnings / Messages Authorized to Be Displayed at Any Given Time
6
Length of Rotation Period
Specified
- 2 years
Analysis
The requirements for health warning and messages apply to tobacco products without making a distinction between smoked and smokeless products. However, details for the warnings are specified and shown in the 2013 Packaging and Labeling Circular for rectangular packs of smoked products only. Therefore, the regulatory status of the location and size of the warnings includes a notation of "Uncertain."
Although the law and regulations align with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines, health warning requirements for smokeless tobacco products could be made clearer. In addition, the contents of the warnings to appear on smokeless tobacco products should pertain to the health effects of smokeless tobacco.
