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.
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.
Video Tobacco packaging warning messages
Albania
Text-based warnings on cigarette packets are used in Albania.
- Pirja e duhanit mund të vrasë
- Smoking can kill
- Pirja e duhanit ju dëmton ju dhe të tjerët rreth jush
- Smoking seriously harms you and others around you
- Duhanpirësit vdesin më të rinj
- Smokers die younger
- Duhanpirja bllokon arteriet dhe shkakton infarkt të zemrës ose hemorragji cerebrale
- Smoking blocks the arteries and causes heart attack or cerebral hemorrhage
- Duhanpirja shkakton kancer në mushkëri
- Smoking causes lung cancer
- Duhanpirja gjatë shtatëzanisë dëmton fëmijën tuaj
- Smoking during pregnancy harms your baby
- Ruani fëmijët: mos i lini ata të thithin tymin tuaj
- Protect children: do not let them breathe your smoke
- Mjeku ose farmacisti juaj mund t'ju ndihmojë të lini duhanin
- Your doctor or pharmacist can help you stop smoking
- Duhanpirja shkakton varësi të fortë, mos e filloni atë
- Smoking causes a strong addiction, do not start it
- Lënia e duhanit pakëson rrezikun e sëmundjeve vdekjeprurëse të zemrës dhe mushkërive
- Leaving smoking reduces the risk of deadly heart disease and lung
- Duhanpirja mund të shkaktojë një vdekje të ngadaltë dhe të dhimbshme
- Smoking can cause a slow and painful death
- Kërkoni ndihmë për të lënë duhanin: telefon 0 800 47 47; Sektori i abuzimit me substancat, Instituti i Shëndetit Publik: www.ishp.gov.al; konsultonhuni me mjekun/farmacistin tuaj
- Ask for help to quit smoking: telephone 0800 47 47; Substance Abuse sector, the Institute of Public Health: www.ishp.gov.al; consult your doctor/pharmacist
- Duhanpirja mund të ngadalësojë rrjedhjen e gjakut dhe shkakton impotencë
- Smoking can slow blood flow and causes impotence
- Duhanpirja shkakton plakjen e fytyrës
- Smoking causes facial aging
- Duhani përmban benzen, nitrosaminë, formalinë dhe cianid hidrogjeni
- Smoking contains benzene, nitrosamines, formalin and hydrogen cyanide
- Pirja e duhanit shkakton sëmundje të zemrës
- Smoking causes heart disease
- Duhanpirja mund të dëmtojë spermën dhe ul pjellorinë
- Smoking can damage sperm and decrease fertility
- Duhani dëmton rëndë shëndetin
- Smoking seriously harms health
Maps Tobacco packaging warning messages
Argentina
General warning:
As of January 30, 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:
Smoking is very bad for health. It can cause heart disease, gangrene, lung cancer, reduced lung function, chronic bronchitis, stroke, throat and mouth cancer, and emphysema. If you smoke despite all this, don't say that we did not warn you.
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 the first part of the message is not always visible.
Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms (including a mouth cancer and lung cancer) are placed prominently on cigarette packages.
Bolivia
In Bolivia, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms (including a laryngeal cancer and heart attack) are placed prominently on cigarette packages.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Front of packaging (covers 30% of surface):
- Pu?enje je ?tetno za zdravlje (Smoking is harmful to health)
- Pu?enje ubija (Smoking kills)
- Pu?enje ozbiljno ?teti vama i drugima oko vas (Smoking seriously harms you and others around you)
Back of packaging (covers 50% of surface):
- Pu?enje uzrokuje rak plu?a (Smoking causes lung cancer)
- Pu?enje uzrokuje sr?ani udar (Smoking causes heart attack)
- Pu?enje uzrokuje mo?dani udar (Smoking causes stroke)
- Pu?enje u trudno?i ?teti zdravlju Va?eg djeteta (Smoking while pregnant harms your child)
Before 2011, a small warning with the text Pu?enje je ?tetno za zdravlje (Smoking is harmful to health) 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 elected a third batch of images, aimed at younger smokers.
Since 2003, the sentence
Este produto contém mais de 4,7 mil substâncias tóxicas, e nicotina que causa dependência física ou psíquica. Não existem níveis seguros para consumo dessas substâncias. (This product contains over 4700 toxic substances and nicotine, which causes physical or psychological addiction. There are no safe levels for the intake of these substances.)
is displayed in all packs.
Brunei
In Brunei, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms (including a tracheotomy and rotting teeth) are placed prominently on cigarette packages.
Cambodia
In Cambodia, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms (including a premature birth and lung cancer) are placed prominently on cigarette packages.
Canada
Canada has had 3 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 4 messages printed in black-and-white on the front and back of the package, and was expanded in 1994 to include 8 messages covering 25% of the front top of the package. In 2000, the Tobacco Products Information Regulations (TPIR) were passed under the Tobacco Act. The regulations introduced a new set of 16 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:
WARNING
CIGARETTES CAUSE LUNG CANCER
85% of lung cancers are caused by smoking.
80% of lung cancer victims die within three years.
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 (Cigarettes and Little Cigars). 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 (though the 2000 labels still appear on other tobacco products). 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, but they generally enjoy wide public support.
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 "?????? ???????? (Smoking is harmful to your health. Quitting smoking early is good for your health) in the front, and "?????? ???????????" ('Smoking is harmful to your health. Quitting smoking can reduce health risks) in the back.
The warnings were revised in October, 2016. The warnings occupy not less than 35% of the front and back of cigarettes boxes. The following warnings shows what is printed at the current time.
- In the front:
- "?????
??????
?????????" - ("The company suggested. Smoking is harmful to your health. Do not smoke in non-smoking places" in the Chinese language)
- "?????
- In the back:
- ????????
???????????" - ("Quitting smoking early is good for your health. Quitting smoking can reduce health risks" in the Chinese language)
- ????????
- or
- ???????
???????? - ("Dissuade teenagers from smoking. Prohibit smoking of primary and middle school students" in the Chinese language)
- ???????
Colombia
In Colombia, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms (including a smoking hurts your arteries and bladder cancer) are placed prominently on cigarette packages.
East Timor
General warning:
Ecuador
In Ecuador, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms (including a tongue cancer and premature birth) are placed prominently on cigarette packages.
Egypt
In Egypt, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms (including a mouth cancer and gangrene) 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 the appropriate local languages) 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 "Vesel?bas ministrija br?dina" (Health Ministry Warning) and Spain with "Las Autoridades Sanitarias Advierten (The Health Board Warns). In member states with more than one official language, the warnings are displayed in all official languages, with the sizes adjusted accordingly (for example in Belgium the messages are written in Dutch, French and German, in Luxembourg in French and German and in Ireland, in Irish and English). 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."
Austria and Germany
- General warnings:
- Rauchen fügt Ihnen und den Menschen in Ihrer Umgebung erheblichen Schaden zu. - Smoking severely harms you and the people around you.
- Additional warnings:
- Raucher sterben früher - Smokers die sooner.
- Rauchen führt zur Verstopfung der Arterien und verursacht Herzinfarkte und Schlaganfälle. - Smoking leads to clogging of arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes.
- Rauchen verursacht tödlichen Lungenkrebs. - Smoking causes lethal lung cancer.
- Rauchen in der Schwangerschaft schadet Ihrem Kind - Smoking while pregnant harms your child.
- Schützen Sie Kinder - lassen Sie sie nicht Ihren Tabakrauch einatmen! - Protect children - don't let them inhale your tobacco smoke!
- Ihr Arzt oder Apotheker kann Ihnen dabei helfen, das Rauchen aufzugeben. - Your doctor or pharmacist can help you to give up smoking.
- Rauchen macht sehr schnell abhängig: Fangen Sie gar nicht erst an! - Smoking makes you addicted very fast: Don't start in the first place!
- Wer das Rauchen aufgibt, verringert das Risiko tödlicher Herz- und Lungenerkrankungen - Giving up smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases.
- Rauchen kann zu einem langsamen und schmerzhaften Tod führen - Smoking can lead to a slow and painful death.
- Rauchen kann zu Durchblutungsstörungen führen und verursacht Impotenz - Smoking can lead to blood circulation disorders and causes impotence.
- Rauchen lässt Ihre Haut altern - Smoking ages your skin.
- Rauchen kann die Spermatozoen schädigen und schränkt die Fruchtbarkeit ein - Smoking can damage the spermatozoa and decreases your fertility.
- Rauch enthält Benzol, Nitrosamine, Formaldehyd und Blausäure - Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamine, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.
Belgium
In Belgium, warning signs are written in both Dutch, French and German languages.
Croatia
Front of packaging (covers 30% of surface):
or
Back of packaging (covers 40% of surface):
- Pu?a?i umiru mla?i (Smokers die younger)
- Pu?enje uzrokuje za?epljenje arterija i uzrokuje sr?ani i mo?dani udar (Smoking clogs your arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes)
- Pu?enje uzrokuje smrtonosan rak plu?a (Smoking causes lethal lung cancer)
- Pu?enje u trudno?i ?teti va?em djetetu (Smoking while pregnant harms your child)
- Za?titite djecu od udisanja va?eg cigaretnog dima (Protect children from inhaling your cigarette smoke)
- Va? lije?nik ili ljekarnik mo?e vam pomo?i prestati pu?iti (Your doctor or pharmacist can help you stop smoking)
- Pu?enje stvara izrazitu ovisnost, nemojte ni po?injati (Smoking is highly addictive, don't even start)
- Prestanak pu?enja umanjuje rizik smrtnih sr?anih ili plu?nih bolesti (Quitting smoking reduces the risk of deadly heart and lung diseases)
- Pu?enje mo?e izazvati polaganu i bolnu smrt (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death)
- Potra?ite pomo? za prestanak pu?enja /savjetujte se sa svojim lije?nikom/ljekarnikom) (Get help to stop smoking /consult with your doctor/pharmacist)
- Pu?enje mo?e usporiti krvotok i prouzro?iti impotenciju (Smoking can slow down blood circulation and cause impotence)
- Pu?enje uzrokuje starenje ko?e (Smoking causes aging of the skin)
- Pu?enje mo?e o?tetiti spermu i smanjiti plodnost (Smoking can damage sperm and reduce fertility)
- Dim sadr?i benzene, nitrozamine, formaldehide i ugljikove cijanide (Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanides*)
The last warning contains a mistranslation from Directive 2001/37/EC - "hydrogen" was translated as ugljik (carbon) 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:
- Pu?enje ?teti Va?em zdravlju (Smoking harms your health)
Back of packaging:
- Pu?enje uzrokuje rak (Smoking causes cancer)
- Pu?enje u trudno?i ?teti i razvoju djeteta (Smoking while pregnant harms the child's development)
- Pu?enje uzrokuje sr?ani i mo?dani udar (Smoking causes heart attacks and strokes)
- Pu?enje skra?uje ?ivot (Smoking shortens your life)
Side of packaging:
- Zabranjuje se prodaja osobama mla?im od 18 godina (Not for sale to persons under the age of 18)
1997-2004
Between 1997 and 2004, a simple text label warning Pu?enje je ?tetno za zdravlje (Smoking is harmful to health) was used.
Cyprus
- Front side
or
- Rear
- ?? ????????? ????????? ???????. ?ütün içenler genç ya?ta ölür. (Smokers die younger.)
- ?? ???????? ?????????? ??? ???????? ??? ???????? ???????? ??? ?????????? ?????????. ?ütün damarlar? t?kar, kalp krizine ve felçlere neden olur. (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes.)
- ?? ???????? ???????? ?????????? ??????? ??? ?????????. ?ütün ölümcül akci?er kanserine neden olur. (Smoking causes terminal lung cancer.)
- ?? ???????? ???? ?? ???????? ??? ??????????? ?????? ?? ?????? ??? ????? ??? ??????? ???. Hamile iken tütün içmek bebe?e zarar verir. (Smoking during pregnancy may harm your baby.)
- ??????????? ?? ??????: ??? ?? ?????????? ?? ????????? ??? ????? ???. Çocuklar? koruyun: Duman?n?z? onlara solutmay?n. (Protect children: don't make them breathe your smoke.)
- ? ??????? ??? ? ? ???????????? ??? ??????? ?? ??? ????????? ?? ?????? ?? ????????. Sa?l?k kurulu?lar? tütünü b?rakmada size yard?mc? olabilir. (Your doctor or your pharmacist can help you stop smoking.)
- ?? ???????? ????? ?????????? ????????, ??? ?? ????????. ?ütün yüksek derecede ba??ml?l?k yapar, ba?lamay?n. (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start.)
- ?? ????????? ??? ??????????? ??????? ??? ??????? ??????????? ?????????????? ??? ??????????? ????????. ?ütünü b?rakmak ölümcül kalp ve akci?er hastal?klar? riskini azalt?r. (Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases.)
- ?? ???????? ?????? ?? ?????????? ???? ??? ??????? ??????. ?ütün a?r?l? ve yava? bir ölüme neden olabilir. (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death.)
- ?? ???????? ?????? ?? ??????? ?? ??? ??? ??????? ??? ?? ?????????? ???????????. ?ütün kan ak???n? yava?lat?r ve cinsel iktidars?zl??a neden olur. (Smoking may reduce the blood flow and cause impotence.)
- ?? ???????? ???????? ??????? ??? ????????. ?ütün cildin erken ya?lanmas?na neden olur. (Smoking causes ageing of the skin.)
- ?? ???????? ?????? ?? ?????? ?? ?????? ??? ??????? ?? ??????????. ?ütün spermlere zarar vererek do?urganl??? azalt?r. (Smoking can damage the sperm and decreases fertility.)
- ? ?????? ???????? ????????, ????????????, ??????????? ??? ??????????. ?ütün duman?nda benzen, nitrosamine, formaldehit ve hidrojensiyanit gibi kanser yap?c? maddeler bulunur. (Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.)
Czech Republic
- Kou?ení vá?n? ?kodí Vám i lidem ve Va?em okolí. (Smoking seriously harms you and others around you.)
- Ku?áci umírají p?ed?asn?. (Smokers die younger.)
- Kou?ení ucpává tepny a zp?sobuje infarkt a mrtvici. (Smoking clogs the blood vessels and causes heart attacks and strokes.)
- Kou?ení zp?sobuje smrtelnou rakovinu plic. (Smoking causes deadly lung cancer.)
- Kou?ení je vysoce návykové, neza?ínejte s ním. (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start.)
- P?estat kou?it, znamená sní?it riziko vzniku smrtelných onemocn?ní srdce a plic. (Quitting smoking reduces the risk of deadly heart and lung diseases.)
- Kou?ení m??e zp?sobit pomalou a bolestivou smrt. (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death.)
- Kou?ení zp?sobuje stárnutí k??e. (Smoking causes ageing of the skin.)
- Kou?ení m??e po?kodit sperma a sni?uje plodnost. (Smoking can damage sperm and reduce fertility.)
- Kou?ení m??e sni?ovat krevní ob?h a zp?sobuje neplodnost. (Smoking can reduce blood flow and cause impotence.)
- Kou? obsahuje benzen, nitrosaminy, formaldehyd a kyanovodík. (Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanides.)
- Kou?ení v t?hotenství ?kodí zdraví Va?eho dít?te. (Smoking while pregnant harms your child.)
- Chra?te d?ti: nenu?te je vdechovat Vá? kou?. (Protect children: don't make them breathe your smoke.)
- Vá? léka? nebo lékárník Vám m??e pomoci p?estat s kou?ením. (Your doctor or pharmacist can help you stop smoking.)
- Získejte pomoc p?i odvykání kou?ení. (Seek help to stop smoking.)
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.
- Rygning er yderst skadelig for dig og dine omgivelser (Smoking seriously harms you and others around you)
- Rygning nedsætter levealderen (Smokers die younger)
- Rygning medfører åreforkalkning og forårsager hjerteanfald og slagtilfælde (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes)
- Rygning forårsager dødelig lungekræft (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer)
- Hvis du er gravid, skader rygning dit barns sundhed (If you are pregnant, smoking damages your child's health)
- Beskyt børn mod tobaksrøg - de har ret til selv at vælge (Protect children from tobacco smoke - they have the right to choose)
- Din læge eller din apoteker kan hjælpe dig med at holde op med at ryge (Your doctor or your pharmacist can help you stop smoking)
- Rygning er stærkt vanedannende: lad være med at begynde (Smoking is highly addictive, do not start)
- Hold op med at ryge, hvis du vil nedsætte risikoen for dødelige hjerte- og lungesygdomme (Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases)
- Rygning kan medføre en langsom og smertefuld død (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death)
- Få hjælp til at holde op med at ryge: Tlf.nr. 80313131 (Get help to quit smoking: Telephone number 80313131)
- Rygning kan nedsætte blodgennemstrømningen og medfører impotens (Smoking may reduce blood flow and causes impotence)
- Rygning ælder huden (Smoking causes aging of the skin)
- Rygning kan beskadige sæden og nedsætter frugtbarheden (Smoking can damage sperm and reduce fertility)
- Røg indeholder benzen, nitrosaminer, formaldehyd og cyanbrinte (Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide)
For smokeless tobacco use above markings does not, whereas the label "Denne tobaksvare kan være sundhedsskadelig og er afhængighedsskabende" (This tobacco product can damage your health and is addictive) is always used for such products.
Estonia
General warning:
or
Finland
In Finland, warning signs are written in both Finnish and Swedish languages.
- Tupakointi vahingoittaa vakavasti sinua ja ympärilläsi olevia / Rökning skadar allvarligt dig själv och personer i din omgivning (Smoking severely harms you and those around you)
- Tupakoivat kuolevat nuorempina / Rökare dör i förtid (Smokers die younger)
- Tupakointi tukkii verisuonet sekä aiheuttaa sydänkohtauksia ja aivoveritulppia / Rökning ger förträngningar i blodkärlen och orsakar hjärtinfarkt och stroke (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes)
- Tupakointi aiheuttaa keuhkosyöpää, joka johtaa kuolemaan / Rökning orsakar dödlig lungcancer (Smoking causes lung cancer, which leads to death / Smoking causes fatal lung cancer)
- Tupakointi raskauden aikana vahingoittaa lastasi / Rökning under graviditeten skadar ditt barn (Smoking during pregnancy harms your child)
- Suojele lapsia - älä pakota heitä hengittämään tupakansavua / Skydda barnen - låt dem inte andas in din tobaksrök (Protect children - don't force them to breathe tobacco smoke / Protect children - don't make them breathe your smoke)
- Lääkäriltä tai apteekista saat apua tupakoinnin lopettamiseen / Din läkare eller ditt apotek kan hjälpa dig att sluta röka (You receive help to stop smoking from a doctor or a pharmacy / Your doctor or your pharmacist can help you stop smoking)
- Tupakointi aiheuttaa voimakasta riippuvuutta. Älä aloita / Rökning är mycket beroendeframkallande. Börja inte rök (Smoking causes powerful addiction. Don't start / Smoking is highly addictive. Don't start)
- Lopettamalla tupakoinnin vähennät vaaraa sairastua kuolemaan johtaviin sydän- ja keuhkosairauksiin / Om du slutar röka löper du mindre risk att få dödliga hjärt- och lungsjukdomar (By stopping smoking you reduce the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases / Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases)
- Tupakointi voi aiheuttaa hitaan ja tuskallisen kuoleman / Rökning kan leda till en långsam och smärtsam död (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death)
- Pyydä apua tupakoinnin lopettamiseen: puh. 0800 148 484 / Sök hjälp för att sluta röka: tfn 0800 148 484 (Request help to stop smoking: phone 0800 148 484 / Get help to stop smoking: phone 0800 148 484)
- Tupakointi aiheuttaa impotenssia ja voi heikentää verenkiertoa / Rökning kan försämra blodflödet och orsakar impotens (Smoking causes impotence and may reduce the blood flow / Smoking may reduce the blood flow and cause impotence)
- Tupakointi vanhentaa ihoa / Rökning får din hy att åldras (Smoking ages the skin / Smoking causes ageing of the skin)
- Tupakointi voi vahingoittaa siittiöitä ja vähentää hedelmällisyyttä / Rökning kan skada sperman och minskar fruktsamheten (Smoking can damage the sperm and decrease fertility / Smoking can damage the sperm and decreases fertility)
- Savu sisältää bentseeniä, nitrosamiineja, formaldehydiä ja vetysyanidia / Rök innehåller bensen, nitrosaminer, formaldehyd och cyanväte (Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide)
France
- Front of packaging (covers 30% of surface)
or
- Rear (covers 40% of surface, similar design)
- Les fumeurs meurent prématurément. (Smokers die prematurely.)
- Fumer bouche les artères et provoque des crises cardiaques et des attaques cérébrales. (Smoking clogs arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes.)
- Fumer provoque le cancer mortel du poumon. (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer.)
- Fumer pendant la grossesse nuit à la santé de votre enfant. (Smoking during pregnancy harms your child's health.)
- Protégez les enfants: ne leur faites pas respirer votre fumée. (Protect your children: don't make them breathe your smoke.)
- Votre médecin ou votre pharmacien peuvent vous aider à arrêter de fumer. (Your doctor or pharmacist can help you quit smoking.)
- Fumer crée une forte dépendance, ne commencez pas. (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start.)
- Arrêter de fumer réduit les risques de maladies cardiaques et pulmonaires mortelles. (Quitting smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases.)
- Fumer peut entraîner une mort lente et douloureuse. (Smoking can result in a slow and painful death.)
- Faites-vous aider pour arrêter de fumer: téléphonez au 0 825 309 310 (0,15 euro/min) (Help yourself quit smoking: call 0 825 309 310)
- Fumer peut diminuer l'afflux sanguin et provoque l'impuissance. (Smoking can cause low blood pressure and impotence.)
- Fumer peut nuire aux spermatozoïdes et réduit la fertilité. (Smoking damages sperm and reduces fertility.)
- La fumée contient du benzène, des nitrosamines, du formaldéhyde et du cyanure d'hydrogène. (Cigarette smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.)
- Left or right side of packaging
- Components percentages (15% of surface, small prints): Tobacco - Cigarette paper - Flavor and texture agents
- ISO yields of toxics in mg/cigarette (in prominent black on white square and bold letters): Tar - Nicotin - Carbon monoxide
- Other side of packaging
- Country of manufacturing, name of manufacturer, quantity
- Product identifier (EAN-7 bar code)
- Other characteristics
- Small print: "Vente en France 01" (sales in France)
- Recyclable logo (for the packaging)
- Words forbidden in the displayed product name: light, ultra-light, légere, or any indication that may indicate that this is a minor drug with low impact... (These branding words have been replaced by various colour names)
Greece
- ?? ???????? ?????? ?? ????????. (Smoking can kill)
- ?? ???????? ??????? ?????? ??? ???????? ??? ???? ???? ???. (Smoking seriously harms the smoker and the ones around him.)
- ?? ???????? ??????? ?????? ???? ??? ???? ???? ???. (Smoking seriously harms you and the ones around you.)
- ?? ????????? ????????? ??????. (Smokers die prematurely.)
- ?? ???????? ?????????? ??? ???????? ??? ???????? ?????????? ??? ?????????? ?????????. (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes.)
- ?? ???????? ???????? ?????????? ??????? ??? ?????????. (Smoking causes fatal lung cancers.)
- ?? ???????? ???? ?? ???????? ??? ??????????? ?????? ?? ??????? ??? ????? ??? ??????? ???. (Smoking during pregnancy can harm the health of your baby.)
- ??????????? ?? ??????: ??? ?? ?????????? ?? ????????? ??? ????? ???. (Protect children: do not force them to breathe in your smoke.)
- ? ??????? ??? ? ? ???????????? ??? ?????? ?? ??? ???????? ?? ?????? ?? ????????. (Your physician or pharmacist can assist you in quitting smoking.)
- ?? ???????? ????? ?????????? ????????, ??? ?? ????????. (Smoking is very addictive; don't start with it)
- ?? ????????? ??? ??????????? ??????? ??? ??????? ??????????? ?????????????? ??? ??????????? ????????. (Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases)
- ?? ???????? ?????? ?? ?????????? ???? ??? ??????? ??????. (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death.)
- ??????? ??????? ??? ?? ??????????? ?? ????????: ?????????????? ?? ?????? ???. (Seek help to quit smoking: consult your doctor.)
- ?? ???????? ?????? ?? ??????? ?? ??? ??? ??????? ??? ?? ?????????? ???????????. (Smoking may reduce blood circulation and cause impotence)
- ?? ???????? ???????? ??????? ??? ????????. (Smoking causes premature skin aging.)
- ?? ???????? ?????? ?? ?????? ?? ?????? ??? ??????? ?? ??????????. (Smoking damages sperm and reduces fertility.)
- ? ?????? ???????? ????????, ????????????, ??????????? ??? ??????????. (Cigarette smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.)
Hungary
- A dohányosok korábban halnak. (Smokers die earlier.)
- A dohányzás elzárja az artériákat, szívrohamot és agyvérzést okoz. (Smoking clogs arteries and causes heart diseases and strokes.)
- A dohányzás halálos tüd?rákot okoz. (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer.)
- A terhes n?k dohányzása károsítja a magzat egészségét. (Smoking during pregnancy harms the baby.)
- Védje a gyermekeket: ne tegye ki ?ket a dohányfüst belélegzése veszélyének. (Protect the kids, don't smoke in their presence.)
- Az orvosok és a gyógyszerészek segíthetnek a leszokásban. (Your doctor or your pharmacist may help you quit smoking.)
- A dohányzásról nagyon nehéz leszokni, ezért ne szokjon rá. (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start.)
- A dohányzás abbahagyása csökkenti a halálos szív- és tüd?betegségek kockázatát. (Quitting smoking reduces the risk of deadly cardiovascular and lung diseases.)
- A dohányzás lassú és fájdalmas halálhoz vezet. (Smoking can cause a long and painful death.)
- Kérjen segítséget a leszokáshoz (telefon/levélcím/Internet-cím) kérdezze meg háziorvosát/gyógyszerészét. (Specialists in the medical profession may help you quit smoking.)
- A dohányzás lassíthatja a vér áramlását, és impotenciát okozhat. (Smoking may reduce blood circulation and cause impotency.)
- A dohányzás öregíti a b?rt. (Smoking ages the skin.)
- A dohányzás károsítja a spermákat és gyengíti a megtermékenyít? képességet. (Smoking may damage sperm and diminish fertility.)
- A füst benzolt, nitrozamint, formaldehidet és hidrogén-cianidot tartalmaz. (Cigarettes contain benzene, nistrosamine, formaldehyde and hydrocyanic acid.)
Ireland
Ireland currently follows EU standards (see above), 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 (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale of Tobacco Products) (Amendment) 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:
- One of the following general warnings (in both the Irish and English languages) which must cover at least 32% of the external side.
- Toradh caithimh tobac - bás - Smoking kills
- Déanann caitheamh tobac díobháil thromchúiseach duit agus do na daoine mórthimpeall ort - Smoking seriously harms you and others around you
- AND One of the following additional warnings (in both the Irish and English languages) which must cover at least 45% of the external side.
- Giorrú saoil tobac a chaitheamh - Smokers die younger
- Nuair a chaitear tobac, tachtar na hartairí agus is é cúis le taomanna croí agus strócanna - Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes
- Caitheamh tobac is cúis le hailse scamhóg mharfach - Smoking causes fatal lung cancer
- Má chaitheann tú tobac le linn toirchis, déantar díobháil don leanbán - Smoking when pregnant harms your baby
- Cosain leanaí: ná cuir iallach orthu do chuid deataigh an análú - Protect children: don't make them breathe your smoke
- Féadann do dhochtúir nó do chógaiseoir cabhrú leat éirí as caitheamh tobac Your doctor or your pharmacist can help you stop smoking
- Is éasca a bheith tugtha do chaitheamh tobac, ná tosaigh leis - Smoking is highly addictive, don't start
- Má éiríonn tú as tobac a chaitheamh laghdaítear an riosca de ghalair mharfacha chroí agus scamhóg - Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases
- Féadann caitheamh tobac bheith ina chúis le bás mall pianmhar - Smoking can cause a slow and painful death
- Faigh cúnamh chun éirí as caitheamh tobac: Íosghlao Stoplíne 1850 201 203 - Get help to stop smoking: Callsave Quitline 1850 201 203
- Féadfaidh caitheamh tobac imshruthúfola a laghdú agus bheith ina chúis le héagumas - Smoking may reduce the blood flow and cause impotence
- Caitheamh tobac is cúis le críonadh craicinn - Smoking causes ageing of the skin
- Féadann caitheamh tobac dochar a dhéanamh don speirm agus laghdaíonn sé torthúlacht - Smoking can damage the sperm and decreases fertility
- Cuimsíonn deatach beinséin, nítreasaimíní, formaildéad agus ciainíd hidrigine - Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide
- In the case of Smokeless Tobacco Products, only the following warning must be displayed:
- Féadann an táirge tobac seo dochar a dhéanamh do shláinte agus is táirge andúile é - This tobacco product can damage your health and is addictive
Italy
- Il fumo uccide / Il fumo può uccidere. (Smoking kills / Smoking may kill)
- Il fumo danneggia gravemente te e chi ti sta intorno. (Smoking heavily damages you and whoever is near you)
- I fumatori muoiono prima. (Smokers die early.)
- Il fumo ostruisce le arterie e provoca infarti e ictus. (Smoking clogs arteries and causes heart diseases and strokes)
- Il fumo provoca cancro mortale ai polmoni. (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer.)
- Fumare in gravidanza fa male al bambino. (Smoking during pregnancy harms the baby.)
- Proteggi i bambini, non fumare in loro presenza. (Protect the kids, don't smoke in their presence.)
- Il medico o il tuo farmacista possono aiutarti a smettere di fumare. (Your doctor or your pharmacist may help you quit smoking.)
- Specialisti del settore medico possono aiutarti a smettere di fumare. (Specialists in the medical profession may help you quit smoking.)
- Il fumo crea un'elevata dipendenza, non iniziare. (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start.)
- Smettere di fumare riduce il rischio di malattie cardiovascolari e polmonari mortali. (Quitting smoking reduces the risk of deadly cardiovascular and lung diseases.)
- Il fumo può provocare una morte lenta e dolorosa. (Smoking can cause a long and painful death.)
- Il fumo provoca il cancro della cavità orale. (Smoking causes oral cancer.)
- Fatti aiutare a smettere di fumare. (Let [someone] help you to quit smoking.)
- Il fumo può ridurre la circolazione sanguigna e causa impotenza. (Smoking may reduce blood circulation and cause impotency.)
- Il fumo invecchia la pelle. (Smoking ages the skin.)
- Il fumo può danneggiare lo sperma e diminuisce la fertilità. (Smoking may damage sperm and diminish fertility.)
- Il fumo contiene benzene, nitrosammine, formaldeide e acido cianidrico. (Cigarettes contain benzene, nistrosamine, formaldehyde and hydrocyanic acid)
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
- Devi?i no desmit plau?u v??a slimniekiem ir sm???t?ji. (Smoking causes 9 out of 10 lung cancers )
- Sm????ana izraisa mutes un r?kles v?zi. (Smoking causes mouth and throat cancer)
- Sm????ana nopietni kait? plau??m. (Smoking damages your lungs)
- Sm????ana izraisa sirdsl?kmes. (Smoking causes heart attacks)
- Sm????ana izraisa insultu un invalidit?ti. (Smoking causes strokes and disability)
- Sm????ana izraisa art?riju nosprosto?anos. (Smoking clogs your arteries )
- Sm????ana palielina risku k??t aklam. (Smoking increases the risk of blindness )
- Sm????ana izraisa zobu boj?jumus un smaganu saslim?anas. (Smoking can cause teeth damages and illnesses of something)
- Sm????ana var nogalin?t j?su v?l nedzimu?o b?rnu. (Smoking can kill your unborn child )
- Cigare?u d?mi kait? j?su b?rniem, ?imenei un draugiem. (Your smoke harms your children, family and friends )
- Ja sm???jat j?s, paaugstin?s risks, ka sm???s ar? j?su b?rni. (Smokers' children are more likely to start smoking)
- Atmetiet tagad - tuviniekiem j?s esat vajadz?gs dz?vs. ( Quit smoking now - stay alive for those close to you)
- Sm????ana samazina augl?bu. (Smoking reduces fertility)
- Sm????ana palielina impotences risku. (Smoking increases the risk of impotence)
Lithuania
General warning:
or
Malta
- Twissija mid-Dipartiment tas-Sa??a: PERIKLU - (DANGER - Health Department - Warning)
- It-tipjip joqtol - (Smoking kills)
- Min ipejjep imut ?g?ir - (Smokers die younger)
- It-tipjip isodd l-arterji u j?ib l-attakki tal-qalb u l-puplesiji - (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes)
- It-tipjip jag?mel kan?er fil-pulmun - (Smoking causes fatal lung cancers)
- Jekk tpejjep waqt it-tqala tag?mel ?sara lit-tarbija tieg?ek - (Smoking when pregnant harms your baby)
- Ipprote?i lit-tfal: i??elhomx jibilg?u d-du??an tas-sigaretti tieg?ek - (Protect children: don't make them breathe your smoke)
- It-tabib Jew l-ispi?jar jg?inuk biex tieqaf tpejjep - (Your doctor and your pharmacist can help you stop smoking)
- It-tipjip huwa vizzju, tibdiex tpejjep - (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start)
- Jekk tieqaf tpejjep tnaqas ir-riskju ta' attakki tal-qalb u mard tal-pulmun - (Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases)
- It-tipjip jista' jwassal g?al agunija fit-tul u ?afna u?ieg? - (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death)
- Itlob l-g?ajnuna biex tieqaf tpejjep - 21231247 - (Get help to stop smoking - 21231247)
- It-tipjip inaqqas i?-?irkulazzjoni tad-demm u jista' jwassal g?all-impotenza - (Smoking may reduce the blood flow and causes impotence)
- It-tipjip ixejj?ek - (Smoking causes aging of the skin)
- It-tipjip jista' jag?mel ?sara lill-isperma u jnaqqas il-fertilità - (Smoking can damage the sperm and decrease fertility)
- Id-du??an fih il-ben?ene, in-nitrosamini, il-formaldehyde, u l-idro?en cyanide - (Smokes contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide)
The Netherlands
- Roken is dodelijk (Smoking is lethal)
- Roken veroorzaakt impotentie (Smoking causes impotence)
- Roken veroorzaakt dodelijke longkanker (Smoking causes deadly lung cancer)
- Tabaksrook bevat benzeen, nitrosaminen, formaldehyde en waterstofcyanide (Tobacco smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogencyanide)
- Uw arts of apotheker kan u helpen te stoppen met roken (Your physician or pharmacist can help you to quit smoking)
- Rokers sterven jonger (Smokers die younger)
- Roken veroorzaakt verstopping van de bloedvaten, hartaanvallen en beroertes (Smoking causes clogging of the blood vessels, heart attacks and strokes)
- Roken tijdens de zwangerschap is slecht voor uw baby (Smoking during pregnancy harms your baby)
- Roken kan uw ongeboren kind doden (Smoking can kill your unborn child)
- Bescherm kinderen: laat hen niet uw rook inademen (Protect children: don't let them inhale your smoke)
- Roken werkt zeer verslavend; begin er niet mee (Smoking is very addictive; prevent yourself from starting)
- Stoppen met roken vermindert het risico op dodelijke hart- en longziekten (Quitting smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases)
- Roken kan leiden tot een langzame, pijnlijke dood (Smoking may result in a slow, painful death)
- Roken kan de bloedsomloop verminderen en veroorzaakt impotentie (Smoking may reduce the blood flow and causes impotence)
- Roken veroudert uw huid (Smoking ages your skin)
- Roken kan het sperma beschadigen en vermindert de vruchtbaarheid (Smoking can damage the sperm and reduces fertility)
- Roken brengt u en anderen rondom u ernstige schade toe (Smoking causes serious damage to you and those around you)
- Uw arts of apotheker kan u helpen te stoppen met roken, bel nu 0800-55532340 (Your physician or pharmacist can help you to quit smoking, call 0800-555532340 now.)
Poland
Front of packaging (covers 30% of surface):
or
There are also warnings on the back of every packet:
- Palacze tytoniu umieraj? m?odziej (Smokers die younger)
- Palenie tytoniu zamyka naczynia krwiono?ne i jest przyczyn? zawa?ów serca i udarów mózgu (Smoking causes clogging of the blood vessels, heart attacks and strokes)
- Palenie tytoniu powoduje ?miertelnego raka p?uc (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer)
- Palenie tytoniu w czasie ci??y szkodzi Twojemu dziecku (Smoking while pregnant harms your baby)
- Chro?cie dzieci -- nie zmuszajcie ich do wdychania dymu tytoniowego (Protect children: don't let them breath your smoke)
- Twój lekarz lub farmaceuta pomo?e Ci rzuci? palenie (Your doctor or your pharmacist can help you quit smoking)
- Palenie tytoniu silnie uzale?nia -- nie zaczynaj pali? (Smoking is highly addictive; do not start smoking)
- Zaprzestanie palenia zmniejsza ryzyko gro?nych chorób serca i p?uc (Stopping smoking reduces the risk of serious heart and lung disease)
- Palenie tytoniu mo?e spowodowa? powoln? i bolesn? ?mier? (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death)
- Dzwoni?c pod nr telefonu 0801108108, uzyskasz pomoc w rzuceniu palenia (Get help to quit smoking by calling 0801108108)
- Palenie tytoniu mo?e zmniejszy? przep?yw krwi i powodowa? impotencj? (Smoking can reduce blood flow and cause impotence)
- Palenie tytoniu przy?piesza starzenie si? skóry (Smoking accelerates skin aging)
- Palenie tytoniu mo?e uszkodzi? nasienie i zmniejsza? p?odno?? (Smoking can damage sperm and reduce fertility)
- Dym tytoniowy zawiera benzen, nitrozoaminy, formaldehyd i cyjanowodór (Tobacco smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide)
Portugal
- Fumar mata. (Smoking kills)
- Fumar provoca o cancro pulmonar mortal. (Smoking causes deadly lung cancer)
- Fumar causa elevada dependência. Não comece a fumar. (Smoking causes high dependency. Don't start smoking.)
- Fumar provoca o envelhecimento da pele. (Smoking promotes early skin aging)
- Fumar prejudica gravemente a sua saúde e a dos que o rodeiam. (Smoking seriously harms you and others around you)
- Se está grávida: fumar prejudica a saúde do seu filho. (If you're pregnant: Smoking harms your child's health)
- Os fumadores morrem prematuramente. (Smokers die prematurely)
- Fumar bloqueia as artérias e provoca ataques cardíacos e AVC. (Smoking clogs your arteries and promotes heart attacks and strokes)
- Fumar pode reduzir o fluxo de sangue e provoca impotência. (Smoking might reduce blood flow and causes impotence)
- Deixar de fumar reduz os riscos de doenças cardiovasculares e pulmonares mortais. (Quitting reduces the risks of deadly cardiovascular and pulmonar diseases)
Romania
General warning (on the front of cigarette packages, covering at least 40% of the area):
- Fumatul ucide (Smoking kills)
- Fumatul poate s? ucid? (Smoking can kill)
- Fumatul d?uneaz? grav s?n?t??ii dumneavoastr? ?i a celor din jur (Smoking seriously harms you and those around);
Additional warnings (on the back of cigarette packages, covering at least 50% of the area):
- Fum?torii mor mai tineri. (Smokers die younger.)
- Fumatul blocheaz? circula?ia sângelui în artere, provoac? infarct miocardic ?i accident vascular cerebral. (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes)
- Fumatul provoac? cancer pulmonar, care este letal. (Smoking causes lung cancer, which is lethal.)
- Fumatul în timpul sarcinii dauneaz? copilului dumneavoastr?. (Smoking when pregnant harms your baby.)
- Proteja?i copiii: nu-i l?sa?i s? respire fumul dumneavoastr?! (Protect children: don't let them breathe your smoke!)
- Doctorul sau farmacistul dumneavoastr? v? poate ajuta s? v? l?sa?i de fumat. (Your doctor or pharmacist can help you quit smoking)
- Fumatul d? dependen??, nu începe?i s? fuma?i! (Smoking is addictive, don't start smoking!)
- Oprirea fumatului scade riscul de îmboln?viri cardiace sau pulmonare fatale. (Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases)
- Fumatul poate provoca o moarte lent? ?i dureroas?. (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death.)
- Primi?i ajutorul pentru renun?are la fumat: (... telefon/adres? postal?/adres? de Internet/consulta?i doctorul dumneavoastr?/farmacistul...). (Get help to stop smoking: telephone/postal address/Internet address/consult your doctor/pharmacist...)
- Fumatul încetine?te circula?ia sângelui ?i provoac? impoten??. (Smoking reduces blood circulation and causes impotence)
- Fumatul provoac? îmb?trânirea tenului (pielii). (Smoking causes skin aging.)
- Fumatul poate d?una calit??ii spermei ?i scade fertilitatea. (Smoking can affect sperm quality and decreases fertility.)
- Fumul de ?igar? con?ine benzeni, nitrozamine, formaldehide ?i cianuri. (Cigarette smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.)
Slovenia
- Front of packaging (covers 30% of surface)
or
- Rear of packaging (covers 40% of surface)
- Kadilci umirajo mlaj?i. (Smokers die younger.)
- Kajenje ma?i ?ile in povzro?a sr?ni infarkt in mo?gansko kap. (Smoking clogs arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes.)
- Kajenje povzro?a smrt zaradi plju?nega raka. (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer.)
- Kajenje med nose?nostjo ?koduje va?emu otroku. (Smoking during pregnancy harms your child.)
- Varujte otroke pred vdihavanjem va?ega cigaretnega dima. (Protect your children from breathing your cigarette smoke.)
- Va? zdravnik ali farmacevt vam lahko pomaga opustiti kajenje. (Your doctor or pharmacist can help you quit smoking.)
- Kajenje povzro?a hudo zasvojenost, zato ne za?nite kaditi. (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start.)
- Opustitev kajenja zmanj?a tveganje za smrt zaradi bolezni srca in plju?. (Quitting smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases.)
- Kajenje lahko povzro?i po?asno in bole?e umiranje. (Smoking can result in a slow and painful death.)
- Poi??ite pomo? pri opu??anju kajenja: posvetujte se z zdravnikom. (Seek help to quit smoking: consult your doctor.)
- Kajenje lahko zmanj?a pretok krvi in povzro?i impotenco. (Smoking can reduce blood circulation and cause impotence.)
- Kajenje povzro?a staranje ko?e. (Smoking causes ageing of the skin.)
- Kajenje lahko ?koduje spermi in zmanj?a plodnost. (Smoking damages sperm and reduces fertility.)
- Cigaretni dim vsebuje benzen, nitrosamine, formaldehid in vodikov cianid. (Cigarette smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.)
Spain
In Spain, cigarette packages are preceded by warnings on both sides of the package marked "Las Autoridades Sanitarias advierten" (Health authorities warn), written in black and white above the black part of the standard warning.
or
- Front of cigarette packages
- Fumar puede matar (Smoking can kill) (changed in 2010 to "Fumar mata" <Smoking kills>)
- Fumar perjudica gravemente su salud y la de los que están a su alrededor (Smoking seriously harms to your health and that of others)
- Back of cigarette packages
- Fumar acorta la vida (Smoking shortens life)
- Fumar provoca cáncer mortal de pulmón (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer)
- El tabaco es muy adictivo: no empiece a fumar (The Tobacco is very addictive, do not start)
- Fumar obstruye las arterias y provoca cardiopatías y accidentes cerebrovasculares (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart disease and stroke)
- Fumar provoca el envejecimiento de la piel (Smoking causes skin aging)
- Ayuda para dejar de fumar: consulte a su médico o farmacéutico (Help to stop smoking: consult your doctor or pharmacist)
- Fumar puede reducir el flujo sanguíneo y provoca impotencia (Smoking may reduce blood flow and causes impotence)
Sweden
General warnings on all Swedish cigarette packagings have been in force since 1977.
- Front of cigarette packages
- Rökning dödar. (Smoking kills.)
- Tobak skadar din hälsa allvarligt. (Tobacco causes serious harm to your health.)
- Rökning under graviditet kan skada ditt foster. (Smoking while pregnant may harm your fetus.)
- Rökning kan leda till en långsam och smärtsam död. (Smoking can lead to a slow and painful death.)
- Rökning kan försämra blodflödet och orsakar impotens. (Smoking can impair the blood flow and causes impotence.)
- Rökning skadar allvarligt dig själv och personer i din omgivning. (Smoking seriously hurts you and people around you.)
- Rök innehåller bensen, nitrosaminer, formaldehyd och cyanväte. (Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.)
- Skydda barnen. Låt dem inte andas in din tobaksrök. (Protect the children. Don't let them inhale your tobacco smoke.)
- Back of cigarette packages
- Rökning kan skada sperman och minskar fruktsamheten. (Smoking may damage the sperm and reduce fertility.)
- Rökning är mycket beroendeframkallande. Börja inte röka (Smoking is very addictive. Do not start smoking.)
- Rear side of snus packaging
- Denna tobaksvara kan skada din hälsa och är beroendeframkallande. (This tobacco product might cause harm to your health and is addictive.)
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 E.U. 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 E.U. regulations required one of the following general warnings must be displayed, covering at least 30% of the surface of the pack:
- Smoking kills
- Smoking seriously harms you and others around you
Additionally, one of the following additional warnings must be displayed, covering at least 40% of the surface of the pack:
- Smokers die younger
- Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes
- Smoking causes fatal lung cancer
- Smoking when pregnant harms your baby
- Protect children: don't make them breathe your smoke
- Your doctor or your pharmacist can help you stop smoking
- Smoking is highly addictive, don't start
- Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases
- Smoking can cause a slow and painful death
- Get help to stop smoking: [telephone]/[postal address]/[internet address]/consult your doctor/pharmacist
- Smoking may reduce the blood flow and cause impotence
- Smoking causes ageing of the skin
- Smoking can damage the sperm and decreases fertility
- Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide
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 is compulsory for all cigarettes manufactured after May 2016 and sold after May 2017.
Georgia
General warning:
Ghana
Ghanaian warnings are very compliant with the EU's legislations, as follows:
Packaging 1 (same as in the newer UK packaging):
- Smoking seriously harms you and others around you
- Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases
Packaging 2 (same as in the older UK packaging):
- Smoking causes cancer
- Smoking damages the health of those around you
Packaging 3 (same as in the older UK packaging):
- Smoking causes fatal diseases
- Smokers die younger
Hong Kong
Under Hong Kong Law, Chap 371B Smoking (Public Health) (Notices) 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 '?????????? HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT WARNING' and then one of the following in all caps.
- ?????? Smoking Causes Lung Cancer
- ?????? Smoking Kills
- ?????? Smoking Harms Your Family
- ?????????? Smoking Causes Peripheral Vascular Diseases
- ??????? Smoking May Cause Impotence
- ????????? Smoking Can Accelerate Aging of Skin
In addition, any print advertisement must give minimum 20% coverage of the following warnings: HKSAR GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING
- January -February SMOKING KILLS
- March- April SMOKING CAUSES CANCER
- May- June SMOKING CAUSES HEART DISEASE
- July- August SMOKING CAUSES LUNG CANCER
- September- October SMOKING CAUSES RESPIRATORY DISEASES
- November - December SMOKING HARMS YOUR CHILDREN
Iceland
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.
- Læknirinn þinn eða lyfjafræðingur geta hjálpað þér að hætta að reykja. (Your doctor or pharmacist can help you quit smoking)
- Reykingar valda krabbameini. (Smoking causes cancer)
- Reykingar eru mjög skaðlegar fyrir þig og þá sem eru nálægt þér. (Smoking is very harmful to you and those close to you)
- Reykingar stífla slagæðar og valda kransæðastíflu og heilablóðfalli. (Smoking blocks your arteries and causes coronary artery disease and stroke.)
- Reykingar valda banvænu krabbameini í lungum. (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer)
- Reykingar á meðgöngu skaða barnið þitt. (Smoking during pregnancy harms your child.)
- Verndaðu börnin - Láttu þau ekki anda að sér tókbaksreyk. (Protect the children - Don't let them inhale tobacco smoke.)
India
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.
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 (Packaging and Labelling) 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 (Packaging and Labelling) Rules, 2008 to enforce the changes effective from 1 April 2015.
However, the government decision to increase pictorial warnings on tobacco packets from April 1, 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 April 5, 2016, the health ministry ordered government agencies to enforce this new rule.
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 1996
1996-1999
1999-2001
2002-end of 2013
Since 2014 With the enforcement of 2012 Indonesian Government Regulation (Peraturan Pemerintah) No. 109, all of tobacco products/cigarette packaging and advertisement should include warning images and age restriction (18+). 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:
- PERINGATAN: MEROKOK SEBABKAN KANKER MULUT. (Warning: smoking can cause oral cancer)
- PERINGATAN: MEROKOK SEBABKAN KANKER TENGGOROKAN. (Warning: smoking can cause laryngeal cancer)
- PERINGATAN: MEROKOK DEKAT ANAK BERBAHAYA BAGI MEREKA. (Warning: smoking can endanger kids near you)
- PERINGATAN: MEROKOK SEBABKAN KANKER PARU-PARU DAN BRONKITIS KRONIS. (Warning: smoking can cause pulmonary cancer and chronic bronchitis)
This warning below is appear on the side of the cigarette packaging:
- DILARANG MENJUAL/MEMBERI PADA ANAK USIA DI BAWAH 18 TAHUN DAN PEREMPUAN HAMIL. (Do not sell or give [this product] to the children under 18 years old and expectant mothers)
Iran
In Iran, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms (including a lung cancer and mouth cancer) are placed prominently on cigarette packages.
Japan
Japan is the first country in Asia to enforce general warning on cigarette packaging, in force since 1972.
Prior to 2005, there was only one warning on all Japanese cigarette packages.
- ????????????????? (For the good of your health, be careful not to smoke too much) (1972-1989)
- ???????????????????????????????? (Be careful not to smoke too much, as there is a risk of damaging your health) (1990-2005)
Since 2005, more than one general warning is printed on cigarette packaging.
On the front of cigarette packages:
- ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????2???4???????? (Smoking is a cause of lung cancer. According to epidemiological estimates, smokers are about two to four times more likely than non-smokers to die of lung cancer.)
- ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 1.7???????? (Smoking increases risk of myocardial infarction. According to epidemiological estimates, smokers are about 1.7 times more likely than non-smokers to die of a heart attack.)
- ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????1.7???????? (Smoking increases risk of stroke. According to epidemiological estimates, smokers are about 1.7 times more likely than non-smokers to die of a stroke.)
- ????????????????????????????? (Smoking can aggravate the symptoms of emphysema.)
On the back of cigarette packages:
- ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????2??????????3????????(????????????????????? www.mhlw.go.jp/topics/tobacco/main.html ?????????) (Smoking during pregnancy is a cause of preterm delivery and impaired fetal growth. According to epidemiological estimates, pregnant women who smoke have almost double the risk of low birth weight and three times the risk of premature birth than pregnant women who do not smoke. (For more information, please visit the Ministry of Health home page at www.mhlw.go.jp/topics/tobacco/main.html.))
- ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? (Tobacco smoke adversely affects the health of people around you, especially infants, children and the elderly. When smoking, be careful not to inconvenience others.)
- ????????????????????????????????? (The degree may differ from person to person, but nicotine [in cigarettes] causes addiction to smoking.)
- ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? (Smoking while underage heightens the addiction and damage to health caused by cigarettes. Never smoke, even if encouraged to by those around you.)
Laos
In Laos, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms (including a mouth cancer and rotting teeth) 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.
- AMARAN OLEH KERAJAAN MALAYSIA, MEROKOK MEMBAHAYAKAN KESIHATAN (Warning by the government of Malaysia, Smoking endangers health)
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 (front) and English (back) explaining:
- (in Malay) "Rokok penyebab ..."
- (in English) "Cigarette causes ..."
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:
- Smoking kills
- Your baby can die (appealing to pregnant women)
- You will have a slow and painful death
- By smoking you are hurting your family
- Go ahead, shorten your life
- Smoking damages your arteries
Moldova
General warning (on the front of cigarette packages, covering at least 30% of the area, Helvetica font):
- "Fumatul ucide" (smoking kills) or
- "Fumatul d?uneaz? grav s?n?t??ii dumneavoastr? ?i a celor din jur" (smoking seriously harms you and those around);
Additional warnings (on the back of cigarette packages, covering at least 40% of the area, Helvetica font):
- "Fum?torii mor mai tineri" (smokers die younger);
- "Fumatul blocheaz? arterele ?i provoac? infarct miocardic ?i accident vascular cerebral" (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes);
- "Fumatul conduce la moarte de cancer pulmonar" (smoking causes death from lung cancer);
- "Fumatul în timpul sarcinii d?uneaz? copilului dumneavoastr?" (Smoking while pregnant harm your baby);
- "Proteja?i copiii dumneavoastr? de inspirarea fumului de ?igaret?" (Protect your children from breathing in the cigarette smoke);
- "Psihologul, profesorul sau medicul v? poate ajuta s? renun?a?i la fumat" (Psychologists, Teachers, and Doctors can help you quit smoking);
- "Fumatul creeaz? dependen?? rapid?, nu încerca?i s? fuma?i" (Smoking becomes addictive fast, try not to smoke);
- "Abandonarea fumatului reduce riscul de îmboln?viri cardiace sau pulmonare fatale";
- "Fumatul poate provoca o moarte lent? ?i dureroas?" (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death);
- "Fumatul reduce circula?ia sîngelui ?i provoac? impoten??" (Smoking reduces blood circulation and increases impotency);
- "Fumatul provoac? îmboln?virea tenului (pielei)" (Smoking causes skin diseases);
- "Fumatul creeaz? grave disfunc?ii sexuale" (Smoking causes serious sexual dysfunction);
Regulated by "LEGE cu privire la tutun ?i la articolele din tutun" (Law on tobacco and tobacco articles) 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 (English, Russian, etc.)
Mongolia
In Mongolia, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms (including a heart disease and lung cancer) are placed prominently on cigarette packages.
Montenegro
In Montenegro, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms (including a mouth cancer and lung cancer) are placed prominently on cigarette packages.
Nepal
In Nepal, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms (including a lung cancer and mouth cancer) 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 website. Warning messages are rotated annually. Following is a list of the warnings in English and M?ori.
Smoking causes heart attacks, KA P? MAI NG? MANAWA-H? I TE KAI PAIPA
Smoking causes over 80% of lung cancers, NEKE ATU I TE 80% O NG? MATE PUKUPUKU KI NG? P?KAHUKAHU I AHU MAI I TE KAI PAIPA
Smoking causes over 80% of lung cancers, NEKE ATU I TE 80% O NG? MATE PUKUPUKU KI NG? P?KAHUKAHU I AHU MAI I TE KAI PAIPA
Smoking harms your baby before it is born, KA T?KINOHIA T? P?PI I TO K?P? I TE KAI PAIPA
Your smoking harms others, KA T?KINOHIA ?TAHI ATU I ? MAHI KAI PAIPA
Smoking is a major cause of stroke, KA PIKI AKE I TE KAI PAIPA T? T?PONO KI TE IKURA RORO
Smoking damages your blood vessels, KA T?KINOHIA ? IA TOTO I TE KAI PAIPA
Smoking is not attractive, KA ANUANU KOE I TE KAI PAIPA
Smoking causes heart attacks, KA P? MAI NG? MANAWA-H? I TE KAI PAIPA
Smoking causes lung cancer, KA P? MAI TE MATE PUKUPUKU KI NG? P?KAHUKAHU I TE KAI PAIPA
Smoking when pregnant harms your baby, KA T?KINOHIA T? P?PI I TE KAI PAIPA I A KOE E HAP? ANA
Your smoking harms children, KA T?KINOHIA NG? TAMARIKI I ? MAHI KAI PAIPA
Smoking is a major cause of stroke, KA PIKI AKE I TE KAI PAIPA T? T?PONO KI TE IKURA RORO
Quit before it is too late, ME WHAKAMUTU KEI RIRO KOE
Smoking causes gum disease and stinking breath, KA P? TE MATE P?NIHO, KA HAUNGA T? H? I TE KAI PAIPA
Nigeria
There are two versions of general warnings, as follows:
- Smoking is addictive
- Smoking damages lungs
- Smoking can kill
- Smoking can cause cancer
- Smoking can damage the fetus.
From 2013 onward, there is a warning:
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:
- Røyking dreper (Smoking kills)
- Røyking er svært skadelig for deg og dine omgivelser (Smoking is very harmful to you and your surroundings)
On the back of cigarette and cigar packages, covering about 45% of the area:
- Røyking fører til dødeleg lungekreft (Smoking causes fatal lung cancer)
- Hvis du slutter å røyke vil du minske risikoen for dødelige hjerte- og lungesykdommer (If you stop smoking, you will reduce the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases)
- Røyking fører til tidleg aldring av huda (Smoking causes early ageing of the skin)
- Røyking kan redusere blodgjennomstrømminga og føre til impotens (Smoking may reduce the blood flow and cause impotence)
- Røyking kan føre til ein langsam og smertefull død (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death)
- Røyking kan redusere sædkvaliteten og minske fruktbarheten (Smoking can reduce the sperm quality and decrease fertility)
- Vern barn mot tobakksrøyk, ikke la dem puste inn din røyk (Protect children against tobacco smoke, don't let them inhale your smoke)
- Røyking er sterkt avhengighetsskapende: Ikke begynn å røyke (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start smoking)
- Røyking fører til forkalking av årene og forårsakar hjarteinfarkt og slag (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes)
- Din lege eller ditt apotek kan hjelpe deg med røykeslutt (Your doctor or your pharmacy can help you stop smoking)
- Få hjelp til røykeslutt - ring Røyketelefonen 800 400 85 (Get help to stop smoking - call the Quitline: 800 400 85)
- Røyking nedsetter levealderen (Smoking lowers life expectancy)
- Røyking under graviditeten skader barnet (Smoking during pregnancy harms the child)
- Røyk inneholder benzen, nitrosaminer, formaldehyd og blåsyre (Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide)
Tobacco products like snus and chewing tobacco have the following warning printed on them:
- Denne tobakksvaren kan være helseskadelig og er avhengighetsskapende (This tobacco product may be a health hazard, and is addictive)
Pakistan
All cigarettes are required by a Statutory Order 1219(I)/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 (in Urdu) and back (in English) of the packet.
Paraguay
In Paraguay, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms (including a impotence and heart attack) are placed prominently on cigarette packages.
Peru
In Peru, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms (including a abortions and asthma) are placed prominently on cigarette packages.
Philippines
All cigarette packaging sold in Philippines are required to display a government warning label. The warnings include:
- Government Warning: Cigarette smoking is dangerous to your health.
- Government Warning: Cigarettes are addictive.
- Government Warning: Tobacco smoke can harm your children.
- Government Warning: Smoking kills.
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 March 3, 2016, Department of Health (DOH) 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 November 3, 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.
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.
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:
- Smoking causes a slow painful death
- Smoking harms your family
- Tobacco smoke can kill babies
- Smoking causes stroke
- Smoking causes lung cancer
- Smoking causes mouth diseases
In 2016, the images and warnings were revised, with images focusing on damaged organs. The following warnings shows what is printed nowadays.
- Smoking causes mouth diseases
- Smoking can cause a slow and painful death
- Smoking causes lung cancer
- Smoking causes gangrene
- Smoking causes neck cancer
- Smoking harms your family
- Smoking causes 92% of oral cancer
From 1 January 2009, people possessing cigarettes without the SDPC (Singapore Duty Paid Cigarettes) 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:
- (in French) Fumer tue. (Smoking kills.)
- (in German) Rauchen tötet. (Smoking kills.)
- (in Italian) Il Fumo uccide. (Smoking kills.)
Somalia
A small warning, in Somali and English, appears on British American Tobacco brands, Royals and Pall Mall.
South Africa
In South Africa, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms (including a cancer and smoking kills) are placed prominently on cigarette packages.
South Korea
In South Korea, general warning on cigarette packaging are in force since 1976. The warning messages are:
- From 1976 to 1989 ??? ??? ??? ??? ???? (For your health, please refrain from smoking too much)
- From December 1989 to 1996 ??? ?? ?? ??? ? ???, ?? ???? ???? ??? ????? (Smoking may cause lung cancer and it is especially dangerous for teenagers and pregnant women)
- From 1996 to March 2005 Front ??? ?? ? ?? ??? ??? ??, ?? ???? ???? ??? ????? (Smoking causes lung cancer and other diseases and it is especially dangerous for teenagers and pregnant women) Back 19? ?? ????? ??? ? ???? (It is illegal to sell cigarettes to people under 19) and additionally, ???? ????? ??? ? ???? (You can be healthy and live longer if you quit), ??? ??? ???? ????? (Smoking also causes paralysis and heart diseases), ??? ???? ??? ??? ???? (Smoking also damages your beloved children), ??? ???? ?? ??? ??? ???? (Smoking damages others)
- From April 2005 to April 2007 Front ??? ??? ?? ??? ???????? (Smoking damages your health. Do you still want to smoke?) Back 19? ?? ????? ??? ? ???? (It is illegal to sell cigarettes to people under 19) and additionally, ???? ????? ??? ? ???? (You can be healthy and live longer if you quit), ??? ??? ???? ????? (Smoking also causes paralysis and heart diseases), ??? ???? ??? ??? ???? (Smoking also damages your beloved children), ??? ???? ?? ??? ??? ???? (Smoking damages others)
- From April 2007 to April 2009 Front ??? ?? ? ?? ??? ??? ??, ?? ???? ???? ??? ????? (Smoking causes lung cancer and other diseases and it is especially dangerous for teenagers and pregnant women) Back 19? ?? ????? ?? ??! ?? ??? ??? ????" (It is illegal to sell cigarettes to people under 19! It hurts your children's health)
- From April 2009 to April 2011 (a prospectus) Front ??? ??? ??, ?? ???? ?? ??? ?? ????? (Smoking damages your health. Once you start smoking, it is very difficult to quit) Back 19? ?? ????? ?? ??! ?? ??? ??? ???? (It is illegal to sell cigarettes to people under 19! It hurts your children's health)
- From December 2016, 50% of cigarette packages must contain warning elements, of which 30% must be graphic or photographic warnings. In addition to the existing warning ??? ??? ??? ? ? ?? (Smoking can be a cause of disease), the following warning will be mandatory: ??? ?? ??? ??? ??? ? ?? (Smoking can harm another person's health)
Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms (including a cancer and heart attack) are placed prominently on cigarette packages.
Taiwan
The warnings in Taiwan are led by the phrase "????????" (Warning from the Department of Health, Executive Yuan:), and followed by one of the following warnings:
- ??????
- Smoking is hazardous to your health
- ????????????????
- Smoking during pregnancy can cause premature death and underweight birth
- ???????????????????????
- Smoking can cause lung cancer, heart diseases, emphysema and pregnancy-related problems
- ??????
- Smoking hurts yourself, and hurts others
- ????????????,?????????
- Smoking during pregnancy might damage the fetus, and can cause premature death and underweight birth
- ??????????
- Quitting smoking can reduce health risk - no longer us
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 (the new warnings will use on June 1, 2014).
- ????????
- Smoking causes ageing of skin
- ??????
- Tobacco addiction traps your life
- ??????????
- Smoking causes sexual dysfunction
- ???????????
- Smoking and second hand smoking causes abnormality of baby or premature birth
- ???,???????
- You can have more if you quit smoking
- ????????????????
- Second hand smoking causes children pneumonia, otitis media, or cancer
- ????????
- Smoking affects oral hygiene
- ???????????????
- Smoking causes you and your family paralyzing stroke and heart disease
Whether the warning is the old version or the new version, it will be marked with "????0800-636363" (Smoking Quitting Hotline: 0800-636363).
Thailand
In Thailand, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms (including a tracheotomy and rotting teeth) 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 (covers 65% of surface)
or
- Back of packaging (covers 40% of surface)
- Sigara içenler genç ya?ta ölür. (Smokers die younger)
- Sigara içmek damarlar? t?kar, kalp krizine ve felçlere neden olur. (Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and paralysis.)
- Sigara içmek ölümcül akci?er kanserine neden olur. (Smoking causes lethal lung cancer)
- Hamile iken sigara içmek bebe?e zarar verir. (Smoking while pregnant will harm the baby)
- Çocuklar? koruyun: Duman?n?z? onlara solutmay?n. (Protect your children, don't let them breathe your smoke.)
- Sa?l?k kurulu?lar? sigaray? b?rakmada size yard?mc? olabilir. (Health agencies can help you quit smoking)
- Sigara içmek yüksek derecede ba??ml?l?k yapar, ba?lamay?n. (Smoking is highly addictive, don't start)
- Sigaray? b?rakmak ölümcül kalp ve akci?er hastal?klar? riskini azalt?r. (Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases)
- Sigara içmek a?r?l? ve yava? bir ölüme neden olabilir. (Smoking can cause a slow and painful death)
- Sigaray? b?rakmak için doktorunuzdan ve ...'den yard?m isteyin. (To quit smoking ask for help from your doctor and ...)
- Sigara içmek kan ak???n? yava?lat?r ve cinsel iktidars?zl??a neden olur. (Smoking will slow the blood flow and cause impotence)
- Sigara içmek cildin erken ya?lanmas?na neden olur. (Smoking causes early ageing of the skin)
- Sigara içmek spermlere zarar vererek do?urganl??? azalt?r. (Smoking can damage the sperm and decreases fertility)
- Sigara duman?nda benzen, nitrozamin, formaldehit ve hidrojensiyanit gibi kanser yap?c? maddeler bulunur. (Cigarette smoke contains carcinogens such as benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.)
Ukraine
The warning messages on Ukrainian cigarette packets are also visually similar to those in European Union countries:
United States of America
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 U.S.A. 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, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled that the labels violate the right to free speech in the First Amendment. However, the following month the U.S. 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.
Cigars
- SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers Of The Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.
- SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Cigars Are Not A Safe Alternative To Cigarettes.
- SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Tobacco Smoke Increases The Risk Of Lung Cancer And Heart Disease, Even In Nonsmokers.
- SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Lung Cancer And Heart Disease.
- SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Tobacco Use Increases The Risk Of Infertility, Stillbirth, And Low Birth Weight.
- SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: This Product Contains/Produces Chemicals Known To The State Of California To Cause Cancer, And Birth Defects Or Other Reproductive Harm.
Stronger warning labels started to appear in May 2010.
Smokeless tobacco
Effective June 2010, the following labels began to appear on smokeless tobacco products (also known as chewing tobacco) and their advertisements.
- WARNING: This product can cause mouth cancer.
- WARNING: This product can cause gum disease and tooth loss.
- WARNING: This product is not a safe alternative to cigarettes.
- WARNING: Smokeless tobacco is addictive.
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.
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" (It has been determined that cigarette smoking is harmful to your health, Cigarette Tax Law) 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" (This product contains tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide, which are carcinogenic and toxic. There are no safe levels for consumption of these substances".
1978's warning, was not removed, now every cigarette pack contains both warnings (one on each lateral).
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 (40% for the text warning and 60% for the image):
- Este producto es dañino para la salud y produce adicción (This product is hazardous to your health and is addictive)
- Fumar causa mal aliento, pérdida de muelas y cáncer de boca (Smoking causes bad breath, tooth decay and mouth cancer)
- Fumar causa cáncer de pulmón, tos, enfisema pulmonar y bronquitis crónica (Smoking causes lung cancer, coughing, pulmonar emphysema and chronic bronchitis), the picture is a comparison between a smoker´s lung (left) and a healthy lung (right)
- Fumar causa infarto al corazón, Q.E.P.D. al portador, muerto por fumador (Smoking causes cardiac infarction, R.I.P. bearer, Killed by smoking)
- Fumar durante el embarazo daña la salud de tu bebé (Smoking while pregnant harms your baby)
- Los niños y niñas comienzan a fumar al ver adultos fumando (Children start smoking when they see adults smoke)
- Fumar cigarrillos causa cáncer de laringe (Smoking cigarettes causes larynx cancer)
- Fumar causa impotencia en los hombres (Smoking causes impotence in men)
- El humo del cigarrillo afecta también a quien no fuma (Cigarette smoke also harms those who don't smoke)
- Da hoy el primer paso, dejar de fumar es posible (take today your first step, quitting is possible)
Also, in Venezuela, tobacco advertising is strictly forbidden, so much so that the words tobacco, cigarette, cigar, etc. are not permitted in media such as radio and television and no one can smoke on television.
In the campaign called: "Venezuela 100% libre de humo" (Venezuela, 100% smoke-free), curiously, these warnings only appear on cigarette packs and not on other tobacco products (which only conserve the 1978 warning).
Vietnam
In Vietnam, a variety of warnings with graphic, disturbing images of tobacco-related harms (including a tracheotomy and rotting teeth) are placed prominently on cigarette packages.
References
External links
- Tobacco Labelling Resource Centre
- Warning: Graphic Cigarette Labels -- slideshow by Life magazine
- BBC News Online: "Spoof cigarette warnings slammed"
- Directive 2001/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2001
- UCSF Tobacco Industry Videos Collection
- Quit Now, website advertised on Australian packets of cigarettes
- Cigarette Package Health Warnings International Status Report - Fourth Edition
Source of article : Wikipedia