FCTC Packaging and Labeling Requirements

The WHO FCTC contains requirements for packaging and labeling and related issues in Articles 9, 10, 11 and 15.

Articles 9 and 10 address testing methods to measure the contents of tobacco products and emissions in tobacco smoke, regulation of contents and emissions and disclosure of contents and emissions to governments and the public.

Article 11 addresses health warnings and disclosure of contents on tobacco packaging, and misleading labeling. Parties to the WHO FCTC are required to implement health warnings covering at least 30% (and ideally 50% or more) of the main display of tobacco packages, and to prohibit misleading labeling (such as the terms "low tar" and "light") within three years of entry into force of the treaty for that country.

Article 15 addresses markings on tobacco packaging to facilitate the control of contraband trade in tobacco products.