Monthly Archives: December 2014

Nepal increases size of pictorial warnings

December 2, 2014

The government has made an amendment to the ‘Directives for Printing and Labelling of Warning Message and Graphics in the Boxes, Packets, Wrappers, Carton, Parcels and packaging of Tobacco Products-2011’.

As per the amendment, tobacco companies must give more space on packets of cigarettes and tobacco related products to pictorial warnings against health hazards of tobacco consumption.

The coverage area of pictorial warnings in the wrappers, packets and other packaging of the tobacco products has been increased to 90 per cent from the existing 75 per cent, according to the amendment.

The Ministry of Health and Population said the amendment will come into force from May 16 next year.

Earlier, the Directives had made it mandatory to cover 75 per cent space with pictorial warnings against health hazards of tobacco consumption on the wrappers and packets of the tobacco products since November last year. “The decision has been made with a view to discouraging people, especially the young generation, from using tobacco products. Tobacco products cause various non-communicable diseases and the amendment in the law is expected to help minimise the risks,” said Minister Adhikari.

Tobacco use causes various non-communicable diseases like cancer, heart problems and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

According to MoHP, any company violating the Directives will be liable to punishment as per the law.

In Nepal, more than 25,000 people die every year due to diseases caused by excessive use of tobacco. Nepal imports tobacco products worth Rs 28 billion annually.

Source: The Himalayan Times (October 30, 2014)

Online Afro Tobacco Pack Warning Resource Launched

December 1, 2014

The Afro Tobacco Pack Warning Resource is now available online, thanks to the work carried out by the World Lung Foundation in cooperation with the Convention Secretariat and some Parties.

The main objective is to provide easy access to a database of warnings developed specifically for use in Africa – utilizing pictures taken in and tested across sub-Saharan Africa – for governments in the region that would like to implement graphic warnings on tobacco packaging. It thereby facilitates their implementation of Articles 11 (packaging and labelling) and 12 (education and public awareness) of the Convention.

The images are arranged in several categories: smoking health harms, second-hand smoke, contents and socioeconomic consequences. The database also includes links to best practices around the world.

The work has been carried in the overall context of South-South cooperation for implementation of the Convention.

Click here to access the database

Source: World Health Organization (November 29, 2014)