Tobacco packaging warning messages


Tobacco package warning messages are warning messages that appear on the packaging of cigarettes and other tobacco products concerning their health effects. They have been implemented in an effort to enhance the public's awareness of the harmful effects of smoking. In general, warnings used in different countries try to emphasize the same messages. Warnings for some countries are listed below. Such warnings have been required in tobacco advertising for many years, with the earliest mandatory warning labels implemented in Iceland in 1969. Implementing tobacco warning labels has been strongly opposed by the tobacco industry, most notably in Australia following the implementation of plain packaging laws.
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, adopted in 2003, requires such package warning messages to promote awareness against smoking.
A 2009 review summarises that "There is clear evidence that tobacco package health warnings increase consumers' knowledge about the health consequences of tobacco use." The warning messages "contribute to changing consumers' attitudes towards tobacco use as well as changing consumers' behavior."
At the same time, such warning labels have been subject to criticism. 2007 meta-analyses indicated that communications emphasizing the severity of a threat are less effective than communications focusing on susceptibility, and that warning labels may have no effect among smokers who are not confident that they can quit, which lead the authors to recommend exploring different, potentially more effective methods of behavior change.

Albania

Text-based warnings on cigarette packets are used in Albania.
General warning:
As of 30 January 2013, all cigarette packages must include graphical warning labels that show the detrimental effects on the health of long-term smokers.
Translation of words in box:

Australia

On 1 December 2012, Australia introduced groundbreaking legislation and the world's toughest tobacco packaging warning messages to date. All marketing and brand devices were removed from the package and replaced with warnings, only the name of the product remain in generic standard sized text. All tobacco products sold, offered for sale or otherwise supplied in Australia were plain packaged and labelled with new and expanded health warnings.

Azerbaijan

In Azerbaijan, cigarette packages carry a small notice: "Ministry of Health warns: Smoking is dangerous for your health", but this is usually printed in light and small fonts, and first part of the message is not always visible.

Bangladesh

The government of Bangladesh is determined in the control of tobacco. In the concluding ceremony of the South Asian Speakers' Summit, titled 'Achieving Sustainable Development Target Level' held in Dhaka in 2016, the Honorable Prime Minister announced complete elimination of tobacco use from Bangladesh by the next 2040. Bangladesh is the first country to sign FCTC.
The Bangladesh government has revised the use of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Act, 2005 in 2013 and has framed the amended law in 2015. According to the revised law and rules, 50% of pictorial health warnings are implemented in the packets of all tobacco products from 19 March 2016.

Bolivia

In Bolivia, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Front of packaging :
Back of packaging :
Before 2011, a small warning with the text Pušenje je štetno za zdravlje was printed on the back of cigarette packets.

Brazil

Brazil was the second country in the world and the first country in Latin America to adopt mandatory warning images in cigarette packages. Warnings and graphic images illustrating the risks of smoking occupy 100% of the back of cigarettes boxes since 2001. In 2008, the government enacted a third batch of images, aimed at younger smokers.
Since 2003, the sentence
is displayed in all packs.

Brunei

In Brunei, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.

Cambodia

In Cambodia, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.

Canada

Canada has had three phases of tobacco warning labels. The first set of warnings was introduced in 1989 under the Tobacco Products Control Act, and required warnings to be printed on all tobacco products sold legally in Canada. The set consisted of four messages printed in black-and-white on the front and back of the package, and was expanded in 1994 to include eight messages covering 25% of the front top of the package. In 2000, the Tobacco Products Information Regulations were passed under the Tobacco Act. The regulations introduced a new set of sixteen warnings. Each warning was printed on the front and back of the package, covering 50% of the surface, with a short explanation and a picture illustrating that particular warning, for example:
accompanied by a picture of a human lung detailing cancerous growths.
Additionally, on the inside of the packaging or, for some packets, on a pull-out card, "health information messages" provide answers and explanations regarding common questions and concerns about quitting smoking and smoking-related illnesses. The side of the package also featured information on toxic emissions and constituent levels.
In 2011, the TPIR were replaced for cigarettes and little cigars with the Tobacco Products Labelling Regulations. These regulations introduced the third and current set of 16 warnings in Canada. Currently, cigarette and little cigar packages in Canada must bear new graphic warning messages that cover 75% of the front and back of the package. The interior of each package contains 1 of 8 updated health warning messages, all including the number for a national quitline. The side of the package now bears 1 of 4 simplified toxic emission statements. These labels were fully implemented on cigarette and little cigar packages by June 2012. Canada also prohibits terms such as "light" and "mild" from appearing on tobacco packaging. The current labels were based on extensive research and a long consultation process that sought to evaluate and improve upon the warnings introduced in 2000.
In accordance with Canadian law regarding products sold legally in Canada, the warnings are provided in both English and French. Imported cigarettes to be sold in Canada which do not have the warnings are affixed with sticker versions when they are sold legally in Canada.
Health Canada is also considering laws mandating plain packaging, in which legal tobacco product packaging would still include warning labels, but brand names, fonts, and colors would be replaced with simple unadorned text, thereby reducing the impact of tobacco industry marketing techniques.
There have been complaints from some Canadians due to the graphic nature of the labels.

Chile

Starting in November 2006, all cigarette packages sold in Chile are required to have one of two health warnings, a graphic pictorial warning or a text-only warning. These warnings are replaced with a new set of two warnings each year.

China

Under laws of the People's Republic of China, "Law on Tobacco Monopoly" Chapter 4 Article 18 and "Regulations for the Implementation of the Law on Tobacco Monopoly" Chapter 5 Article 29, cigarettes and cigars sold within the territory of China should indicate the grade of tar content and "Smoking is hazardous to your health" in the Chinese language on the packs and cartons.
In 2009, the warnings were changed. The warnings which occupy not less than 30% of the front and back of cigarettes boxes shows "吸烟有害健康 尽早戒烟有益健康" in the front, and "吸烟有害健康 戒烟可减少对健康的危害" in the back.
The warnings were revised in October 2016. The warnings must occupy at least 35% of the front and back of cigarette boxes. The following are the current warnings.
吸烟有害健康
请勿在禁烟场所吸烟"
戒烟可减少对健康的危害"
禁止中小学生吸烟
In Colombia, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.

Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.

East Timor

Before 2018
Starting from 2018, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages. Graphic warning messages must consist of 85% of the front of cigarette packages and 100% of the back. After the introduction of graphic images in East Timorese cigarette packaging, the branding of cigarettes as "light", "mild", etc. is forbidden.
In Ecuador, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.

Egypt

In Egypt, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.

European Union

Cigarette packets and other tobacco packaging must include warnings in the same size and format and using the same approved texts in all member states of the European Union.
These warnings are displayed in black Helvetica bold on a white background with a thick black border. Ireland once prefaced its warnings with "Irish Government Warning", Latvia with "Veselības ministrija brīdina" and Spain with "Las Autoridades Sanitarias Advierten". In member states with more than one official language, the warnings are displayed in all official languages, with the sizes adjusted accordingly. All cigarette packets sold in the European Union must display the content of nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide in the same manner on the side of the packet.
In 2003, it was reported that sales of cigarette cases had surged, attributable to the introduction of more prominent warning labels on cigarette packs by an EU directive in January 2003. Alternatively, people choose to hide the warnings using various arguably "funny" stickers, such as "You could be hit by a bus tomorrow."
The most recent EU legislation is the Tobacco Products Directive, which became applicable in EU countries in May 2016.

Austria and Germany

;General warnings:
;Additional warnings:
In Belgium, warning signs are written in all three official languages of Belgium. These three languages are Dutch, French and German.
Front of packaging :
or
Back of packaging :
The last warning contains a mistranslation from Directive 2001/37/EC – "hydrogen" was translated as ugljik instead of vodik. It was nevertheless signed into law and started appearing on cigarette packages in March 2009.
2004–2009
These warnings are also simple text warnings.
Front of packaging:
Back of packaging:
Side of packaging:
1997–2004
Between 1997 and 2004, a simple text label warning Pušenje je štetno za zdravlje was used.

Cyprus

;Front side
or
;Rear
As of 7 December 2016, all packages must also include warning images additionally to text warnings. Also cigarette manufacturers are prohibited to display the content of nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide on cigarette packages, because it might mislead customers. The box previously containing the contents of the cigarette was replaced by a warning message: Tabákový kouř obsahuje přes 70 látek, které prokazatelně způsobují rakovinu.

Denmark

Warning texts in tobacco products, health warnings, which are reproduced on the packaging of cigarettes and other tobacco products. It is implemented in an effort to strengthen public knowledge about the dangers of smoking.
The order was introduced in Denmark on 31 December 1991. The Order was last revised on 2 October 2003, which also imposed ban on the words "light" and "mild" on Danish cigarette packages, as did European Union countries.
The marking shall appear on one third of the most visible part of the package.
For smokeless tobacco use above markings does not, whereas the label "Denne tobaksvare kan være sundhedsskadelig og er afhængighedsskabende" is always used for such products.

Estonia

General warning:
or

Finland

In Finland, warning signs are written in both Finnish and Swedish languages.
;Front of packaging
or
;Rear
;Left or right side of packaging
;Other side of packaging
;Other characteristics
currently follows EU standards, but previously ran its own scheme, where one of 8 messages was placed on the pack, as defined in SI 326/1991.
After a High Court settlement in January 2008, it was accepted that the warnings on tobacco products must appear in all official languages of the state. As a result, the European Communities Regulations 2008 were enacted. This states that tobacco products going to market after 30 September 2008 must carry warnings in Irish and English. A year-long transition period applied to products which were on the market prior to 1 October 2008, which may have been sold until 1 October 2009.
Each packet of tobacco products must carry:
Other text is sometimes placed in the packets, for example some packets contain leaflets which have all the above warnings written on them, with more detailed explanations and reasons to give up, and advice from Philip Morris.

Latvia

General warning:
or

Malta

Front of packaging :
or
There are also warnings on the back of every packet:
General warning :
Additional warnings :
;Front of packaging
or
;Rear of packaging
In Spain, cigarette packages are preceded by warnings on both sides of the package marked "Las Autoridades Sanitarias advierten", written in black and white above the black part of the standard warning.
or
;Front of cigarette packages:
;Back of cigarette packages:
General warnings on all Swedish cigarette packagings have been in force since 1977.
;Front of cigarette packages:
;Back of cigarette packages:
;Rear side of snus packaging:
General warning:

Ghana

Ghanaian warnings are very compliant with the EU's legislations, as follows:
Packaging 1 :
Packaging 2 :
Packaging 3 :
In Honduras, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.

Hong Kong

Under Hong Kong Law, Chap 371B Smoking Order, packaging must indicate the amount of nicotine and tar that is present in cigarette boxes in addition to graphics depicting different health problems caused by smoking in the size and ratio as prescribed by law. The warnings are to be published in both official languages, Traditional Chinese and English.
Warning begins with the phrase '香港特區政府忠告市民 HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT WARNING' and then one of the following in all caps.
In addition, any print advertisement must give minimum 85% coverage of the following warnings:
HKSAR GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING
All cigarette packets and other tobacco packaging in Iceland must include warnings in the same size and format as in the European Union and using the same approved texts in Icelandic.
Cigarette packets sold in India are required to carry graphical and textual health warnings. The warning must cover at least 85% of the surface of the pack, of which 60% must be pictorial and the remaining 25% contains textual warnings in English, Hindi or any other Indian language.
In 2003, India ratified the World Health Organisation's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which includes a recommendation for large, clear health warnings on tobacco packages. However, there was a delay in implementing graphic warning labels.
Until 2008, cigarette packets sold in India were required to carry a written warning on the front of the packet with the text CIGARETTE SMOKING IS INJURIOUS TO HEALTH in English. Paan, gutkha and tobacco packets carried the warning TOBACCO IS INJURIOUS TO HEALTH in Hindi and English. The law later changed. According to the new law, cigarette packets were required to carry pictorial warnings of a skull or scorpion along with the text SMOKING KILLS and TOBACCO CAUSES MOUTH CANCER in both Hindi and English.
The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Rules 2008 requiring graphic health warnings came into force on 31 May 2008. Under the law, all tobacco products were required to display graphic pictures, such as pictures of diseased lungs, and the text SMOKING KILLS or TOBACCO KILLS in English, covering at least 40% of the front of the pack, and retailers must display the cigarette packs in such a way that the pictures on pack are clearly visible. In January 2012 controversy arose when it was discovered an image of English footballer John Terry was used on a warning label.
On 15 October 2014, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan announced that only 15% of the surface of a pack of cigarettes could contain branding, and that the rest must be used for graphic and text health warnings. The Union Ministry of Health amended the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Rules, 2008 to enforce the changes effective from 1 April 2015.
However, the government decision to increase pictorial warnings on tobacco packets from 1 April, was put on hold indefinitely, following the recommendations of a Parliamentary committee, which reportedly did not speak to health experts, but only spoke to tobacco lobby representatives. On 5 April 2016, the health ministry ordered government agencies to enforce this new rule.
Various warnings on cigarette packets:
Smoking causes throat cancer
Add Image of cigarette's packet here
Following the intervention by the Parliamentary committee, NGO Health of Millions represented by Prashant Bhushan filed a petition in Supreme Court of India, which asks the government to stop selling of loose cigarettes and publish bigger health warnings on tobacco packs.

Indonesia

General warning:
Before 1999
1999–2001
Other versions
2002–end of 2013
2014–2018
With the enforcement of 2012 Indonesian Government Regulation No. 109, all of tobacco products/cigarette packaging and advertisement should include warning images and age restriction. Graphic warning messages must consist 40% of cigarette packages. After the introduction of graphic images in Indonesian cigarette packaging, the branding of cigarettes as "light", "mild", "filter", etc. is forbidden.
Other alternatives:
The warning below appears on the side of the cigarette packaging:
2018–
Because all pictorial health warnings used in Indonesia originally came from the 2005 version of PHWs in Thailand, on 31 May 2018, the Ministry of Health launched new PHWs, of which two depict Indonesian smokers and one depict a Venezuelan smoker.
Other alternatives:
In Iran, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.

Japan

Japan became the first country in Asia to display a general warning on cigarette packaging in 1972.
Prior to 2005, there was only one warning on all Japanese cigarette packages.
Since 2005, more than one general warning is printed on cigarette packaging.
On the front of cigarette packages:
On the back of cigarette packages:
In Laos, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, general warning as a mandatory on all Malaysian cigarette packaging are in force since June 1976.
Starting 1 June 2009, The Malaysian government has decided to place graphic images on the cigarette packs to show the adverse long-term effects of excessive smoking replacing the general warning with text describing the graphic images printed in Malay and English explaining:
Graphic warning messages must consist 40% of the front of cigarette packages and 60% in the back. After the introduction of graphic images in Malaysian cigarette packaging, the branding of cigarettes as "light", "mild", etc. is forbidden.

Mexico

In Mexico cigarette packs contain health warnings and graphic images since 2010. By law, 30% of the pack's front, 100% of the pack's rear, and 100% of one lateral must consist on images and warnings. The Secretariat of Health issues new warnings and images every six months. Images have included a dead rat, a partial mastectomy, a laryngectomy, a dead human fetus surrounded by cigarette butts, a woman being fed after suffering a stroke, and damaged lungs amongst others.
Warnings include smoking-related diseases and statistics, toxins found in cigarettes and others such as:
General warning :
Additional warnings :
Regulated by "LEGE cu privire la tutun şi la articolele din tutun" nr. 278-XVI from 14.12.2007 enabled at 07.03.2008
Cigarette packets in Transnistria have variable warning labels, depending from where they come from

Mongolia

In Mongolia, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.

Montenegro

In Montenegro, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.

Myanmar

In Myanmar, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.

Nepal

In Nepal, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.

New Zealand

The first health warnings appeared on cigarette packets in New Zealand in 1974. Warning images accompanying text have been required to appear on each packet since 28 February 2008. New Regulations were made on 14 March 2018 which provided for larger warnings and a new schedule of images and messages.
By law, 75% of the cigarette pack's front and 100% of the cigarette pack's rear must consist of warning messages. Images include gangrenous toes, rotting teeth and gums, diseased lungs and smoking-damaged hearts. Cigarette packets also carry the Quitline logo and phone number and other information about quitting smoking.
In total, there are 15 different warnings. A full list with pictures is available at the New Zealand Ministry of Health's . Warning messages are rotated annually. Following is a list of the warnings in English and Māori.
Smoking causes heart attacks, KA PĀ MAI NGĀ MANAWA-HĒ I TE KAI PAIPA
Smoking causes over 80% of lung cancers, NEKE ATU I TE 80% O NGĀ MATE PUKUPUKU KI NGĀ PŪKAHUKAHU I AHU MAI I TE KAI PAIPA
Smoking harms your baby before it is born, KA TŪKINOHIA TŌ PĒPI I TO KŌPŪ I TE KAI PAIPA
Your smoking harms others, KA TŪKINOHIA ĒTAHI ATU I Ō MAHI KAI PAIPA
Smoking is a major cause of stroke, KA PIKI AKE I TE KAI PAIPA TŌ TŪPONO KI TE IKURA RORO
Smoking damages your blood vessels, KA TŪKINOHIA Ō IA TOTO I TE KAI PAIPA
Smoking is not attractive, KA ANUANU KOE I TE KAI PAIPA
Smoking causes heart attacks, KA PĀ MAI NGĀ MANAWA-HĒ I TE KAI PAIPA
Smoking causes lung cancer, KA PĀ MAI TE MATE PUKUPUKU KI NGĀ PŪKAHUKAHU I TE KAI PAIPA
Smoking when pregnant harms your baby, KA TŪKINOHIA TŌ PĒPI I TE KAI PAIPA I A KOE E HAPŪ ANA
Your smoking harms children, KA TŪKINOHIA NGĀ TAMARIKI I Ō MAHI KAI PAIPA
Smoking is a major cause of stroke, KA PIKI AKE I TE KAI PAIPA TŌ TŪPONO KI TE IKURA RORO
Quit before it is too late, ME WHAKAMUTU KEI RIRO KOE
Smoking causes gum disease and stinking breath, KA PĀ TE MATE PŪNIHO, KA HAUNGA TŌ HĀ I TE KAI PAIPA

Nigeria

There are two versions of general warnings, as follows:
From 2013 onward, there is a warning:

North Korea

North Korea signed the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on 17 June 2003 and ratified it on 27 April 2005. Tobacco packaging warning messages are required on all types of packaging, but their appearance is not regulated in any way. They are usually printed in small print on the side of the package and only state that smoking is harmful to health. However, the descriptions must state the nicotine and tar content, must not be misleading and do need to be approved by local authorities. Graphic warning images that are now common worldwide have never appeared on packaging in North Korea.

Norway

Norway have had general warnings on cigarette packets since 1975. Norway's warnings of today were introduced in 2003 and are in line with EU's legislation, as Norway is an EEA member:
On the front of cigarette and cigar packages, covering about 30% of the area:
On the back of cigarette and cigar packages, covering about 45% of the area:
Tobacco products like snus and chewing tobacco have the following warning printed on them:
All cigarettes are required by a Statutory Order 1219/2008 dated 25 September 2008, published in the Gazette of Pakistan dated 24 November 2008, to carry rotational health warnings from 1 July 2009. Under the previous law, health warnings were not required to be rotated.
Each health warning will be printed for a period of 6 months. The health warnings are to be in Urdu and in English. Here are the English versions:
1. WARNING: Protect children. Do not let them breathe your smoke. Ministry of Health.
2. WARNING: Smoking causes mouth and throat cancer. Ministry of Health.
3. WARNING: Quit smoking; live longer life. Ministry of Health.
4. WARNING: Smoking severely harms you and the people around you. Ministry of Health.
The warnings shall cover at least 30% on both sides of the packet, and located at the top portions of the face and back of the packet.

Panama

In Panama, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.

Paraguay

In Paraguay, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.

Peru

In Peru, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.

Philippines

All cigarette packaging sold in Philippines are required to display a government warning label. The warnings include:
In July 2014, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III signed the Republic Act 10643, or "An Act to Effectively Instill Health Consciousness through Graphic Health Warnings on Tobacco Products", more known as the "Graphic Health Warning Act." This law requires tobacco product packaging to display pictures of the ill effects of smoking, occupying the bottom half of the display area in both front and the back side of the packaging. On 3 March 2016, Department of Health secretary Janette Garin started the implementation of Republic Act 10643, requiring tobacco manufacturers to include graphic health warnings on newer cigarette packaging.
With the Graphic Health Warning Act implemented, graphic health warnings are used on all newer cigarette packaging, and older packages using text-only warnings are required to be replaced by newer packaging incorporating graphic warnings. The 12 new warnings, showing photos of negative effects of smoking, like mouth cancer, impotence, and gangrene, are rotated every month, and on 3 November 2016, all cigarette packaging without graphic health warning messages are banned from sale. Labeling of cigarettes with "light" or "mild" is also forbidden by the Graphic Health Warning Act.

Russia

Warning messages on Russian cigarette packets revised in 2013, falling in line with European Union standards.
ObverseReverseExample design
Text warnings will cover 30% of surfacePictorial warnings will cover 50% of surface
Курение убивает

Note: 12 different variants.

Serbia

The warning messages on Serbian cigarette packets are visually similar to those in European Union countries, but the texts used in Serbia are not translated directly from EU-approved texts.
SerbianEnglishExample design
Пушење убија. Дувански дим штети људима у Вашој околини.Smoking kills. Tobacco smoke harms people around you.
Пушење убија. Дувански дим штети људима у Вашој околини.
Желите бебу? Пушење неповољно утиче на плодност код мушкараца и жена.Want a baby? Smoking reduces fertility in men and women.
Пушење убија. Дувански дим штети људима у Вашој околини.
Пушење изазива зависност! Потражите стручну помоћ за одвикавање.Smoking causes addiction! Seek professional help to quit the habit.
Пушење убија. Дувански дим штети људима у Вашој околини.

Singapore

Text warnings were first added on cigarette packets. They used blunt, straight-to-the-point messages such as 'Smoking causes lung cancer'. They were later replaced by graphic warnings in August 2004. They featured gory pictures and were printed with the messages:
In 2016, the images and warnings were revised, with images focusing on damaged organs. The following warnings shows what is printed nowadays.
From 1 January 2009, people possessing cigarettes without the SDPC label will be committing an offence under the Customs and GST Acts. The law was passed to distinguish non-duty paid, contraband cigarettes from duty-paid ones.

Switzerland

Switzerland has four official languages, but only has warning messages in three languages. The fourth language, Romansh, is only spoken by 0.5% of the population, and those persons typically also speak either German or Italian. The three warning messages below are posted on cigarette packets, cartons and advertisements such as outdoor billboard posters:
A small warning, in Somali and English, appears on British American Tobacco brands, Royals and Pall Mall.

South Africa

In South Africa, the Tobacco Products Control Act, 1993 and its amendments, stipulate that a warning related to the harmful effects of tobacco smoking, or the beneficial effects of cessation, must be placed prominently on tobacco products covering 15% of the obverse, 25% of the reverse and 20% of the sides of packing.
According to the draft Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, 2018, new legislation, once enacted, will require uniform, plain colored packaging containing the brand and product name in a standard typeface and color, a warning related to the harmful effects of tobacco smoking, or beneficial effects of cessation, and a graphic image of tobacco-related harm.
ObverseReverse
DANGER: SMOKING CAN KILL YOUTobacco smoke contains many harmful chemicals such as carbon monoxide, cyanide, nicotine and tar, which can cause disease and death. Non-smokers and ex-smokers, on average, live longer and are healthier than smokers. For more information call 720-3145
DANGER: SMOKING CAUSES CANCERNine out of ten patients with lung cancer are smokers. Smoking also causes cancer of the lip, mouth, voice box, food pipe and bladder. Quitting smoking reduces your risk of cancer. For more information call 720- 3145
DANGER: SMOKING CAUSES HEART DISEASESmoking is a major cause of heart attacks, strokes and blood vessel diseases. Quitting smoking reduces your risk of heart diseases. For more information call 720-3145
SMOKING DAMAGES YOUR LUNGSA morning cough and shortness of breath are signs of lung disease. It is never too late to quit. Stop smoking now and you can prevent further harm. For more information call 720-3145
PREGNANT? BREASTFEEDING? YOUR SMOKING CAN HARM YOUR BABYThe babies of mothers who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to die before birth or to be born underweight. Stopping smoking before or during the first months of pregnancy reduces the risk to the baby. For more information call 720-3145
WARNING DON'T SMOKE NEAR CHILDRENChildren who live with smokers suffer more from colds, coughs, ear infections, asthma and chest disease. Protect your children from the harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke. For more information call 720- 3145
TOBACCO IS ADDICTIVENicotine in tobacco is a drug which acts on the brain and nerves. Most smokers are dependent on nicotine that is why they feel uncomfortable and get cravings when they go without smoking for a while. For more information call 720-3145
YOUR SMOKE CAN HARM THOSE AROUND YOUEvery time you smoke, those around you smoke too. Your smoking increases their risk of lung cancer and heart disease. Stop smoking for the sake of your health and that of your family and friends. For more information call 720-3145

South Korea

In South Korea, general warnings on cigarette packaging have been used since 1976. The warning messages used since then have been:
In Sri Lanka, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.

Taiwan

The warnings in Taiwan are led by the phrase "行政院衛生署警告", and followed by one of the following warnings:
Due to the Department of Health was reorganized into Ministry of Health and Welfare, the images and warnings were revised in 2014. The following warnings shows what is printed.
Whether the warning is the old version or the new version, it will be marked with "戒煙專線0800-636363".

Thailand

In Thailand, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages. A recent study showed that the warnings made Thai smokers think more often about the health risks of smoking and about quitting smoking.

Turkey

;Front of packaging
or
;Back of packaging
The warning messages on Ukrainian cigarette packets are also visually similar to those in European Union countries:
MessageEnglish translationExample design
Курiння призводить до серцево-судинних захворювань та раку легенiв.Smoking causes heart diseases and lung cancer. pack from Ukraine
Курiння викликає залежнiсть, не починайте курити.Smoking is highly addictive, don't start. pack from Ukraine
Курiння викликає iмпотенцiю.Smoking causes impotence. pack from Ukraine
Захистiть дiтей: не дозволяйте їм дихати вашим димом.Protect your children, don't let them inhale your smoke. pack from Ukraine
Курiння під час вагiтностi шкодить вашiй дитинi.Smoking while pregnant harms your child. pack from Ukraine
Тютюновий дим шкодить здоров’ю тих, хто вас оточує.Cigarette smoke harms those around you. pack from Ukraine
Курцi помирають рано.Smokers die younger. pack from Ukraine

United Kingdom

In 1971, tobacco companies printed on the left side of cigarette packets "WARNING by H.M. Government, SMOKING CAN DAMAGE YOUR HEALTH".
In 1991, the EU tightened laws on tobacco warnings. "TOBACCO SERIOUSLY DAMAGES HEALTH" was printed on the front of all tobacco packs. An additional warning was also printed on the reverse of cigarette packs.
In 2003, new EU regulations required one of the following general warnings must be displayed, covering at least 30% of the surface of the pack:
Additionally, one of the following additional warnings must be displayed, covering at least 40% of the surface of the pack:
From October 2008, all cigarette products manufactured must carry picture warnings to the reverse. Every pack must have one of these warnings by October 2009.
Plain packaging, including prominent and standardised health warnings and minimal manufacturer information, became compulsory for all cigarette and hand-rolling tobacco packs manufactured after May 2016 and sold after May 2017.

United States

In 1966, the United States became the first nation in the world to require a health warning on cigarette packages.
In 1973, the Assistant Director of Research at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company wrote an internal memorandum regarding new brands of cigarettes for the youth market. He observed that, "psychologically, at eighteen, one is immortal" and theorized that "the desire to be daring is part of the motivation to start smoking." He stated, "in this sense the label on the package is a plus."
In 1999, Philip Morris USA purchased three brands of cigarettes from Liggett Group Inc. The brands were: Chesterfield, L&M, and Lark. At the time Philip Morris purchased the brands from Liggett, the packaging for those cigarettes included the statement "Smoking is Addictive". After Philip Morris acquired the three Liggett brands, it removed the statement from the packages.
Though the United States started the trend of labeling cigarette packages with warnings, today the country has one of the least restrictive labelling requirements on their packages. Warnings are usually in small typeface placed along one of the sides of the cigarette packs with colors and fonts that closely resemble the rest of the package, so the warnings essentially are integrated and do not stand out with the rest of the cigarette package.
However, this is subject to change as the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009 requires color graphics with supplemental text that depicts the negative consequences of smoking to cover 50 percent of the front and rear of each pack. The nine new graphic warning labels were announced by the FDA in June 2011 and were required to appear on packaging by September 2012, though this was delayed by legal challenges.
In August 2011, five tobacco companies filed a lawsuit against the FDA in an effort to reverse the new warning mandate. Tobacco companies claimed that being required to promote government anti-smoking campaigns by placing the new warnings on packaging violates the companies' free speech rights. Additionally, R.J. Reynolds, Lorillard, Commonwealth Brands Inc., Liggett Group LLC and Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Inc. claimed that the graphic labels are an unconstitutional way of forcing tobacco companies to engage in anti-smoking advocacy on the government's behalf. A First Amendment lawyer, Floyd Abrams, represented the tobacco companies in the case, contending that requiring graphic warning labels on a lawful product cannot withstand constitutional scrutiny. The Association of National Advertisers and the American Advertising Federation also filed a brief in the suit, arguing that the labels infringe on commercial free speech and could lead to further government intrusion if left unchallenged.
On 29 February 2012, US District Judge Richard Leon ruled that the labels violate the right to free speech in the First Amendment. However, the following month the US Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit upheld the majority of the Tobacco Control Act of 2009, including the part requiring graphic warning labels. In April 2013 the Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal to this ruling, allowing the new labels to stand. As the original ruling against the FDA images was not actually reversed, the FDA will again need to go through the process of developing the new warning labels, and the timetable and final product remain unknown. Also, rulings of the 6th Circuit are precedential only in the states comprising the 6th Circuit, i.e., Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

Cigars

Stronger warning labels started to appear in May 2010.

Smokeless tobacco

Effective June 2010, the following labels began to appear on smokeless tobacco products and their advertisements.
The new warnings are required to comprise 30 percent of two principal display panels on the packaging; on advertisements, the health warnings must constitute 20 percent of the total area.

Uruguay

In Uruguay, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.

Venezuela

For many years in Venezuela, the only warning in cigarette packs was printed in a very small typeface along one of the sides:
"Se ha determinado que el fumar cigarrillos es nocivo para la salud, Ley de impuesto sobre cigarrillos" Since 14 September 1978
On 24 March 2005, another warning was introduced in every cigarette pack: "Este producto contiene alquitrán, nicotina y monóxido de carbono, los cuales son cancerígenos y tóxicos. No existen niveles seguros para el consumo de estas sustancias".
1978's warning was not removed, so now every cigarette pack contains both warnings.
In addition, since 24 March 2005, one of the following warnings is randomly printed very prominently, along with a graphical image, occupying the 100% of the back of the pack :
In the campaign called: "Venezuela 100% libre de humo", curiously, these warnings only appear on cigarette packs and not on other tobacco products.

Vietnam

In Vietnam, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms are placed prominently on cigarette packages.