The United Kingdom approved regulations requiring pictorial health warnings on tobacco packages in 2007. Beginning October 2008, new tobacco product stock was required to display pictorial warnings. Manufacturers had one year to ensure all cigarette packs carried the warnings, and two years to ensure all other tobacco products carried the warnings.
Health warnings were required to cover 43% of the front and 53% of the back of all cigarette packages (48% overall). A set of 15 images were rotated on packs. Tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide emission numbers were required on the side of packages. The terms “light” and “mild” are prohibited from appearing on packages.
New tobacco packaging regulations based on the EU’s Tobacco Product Directive (TPD) came into force on May 20, 2016, and require new warnings that cover the top 65% of the front and back of the package. The warnings consist of a photo, text and smoking cessation information. Three different sets of 14 warnings will be rotated annually. A descriptive statement about emissions is required on the side panel. Information about tar, nicotine or carbon monoxide content is prohibited.
Plain packaging regulations were approved on March 16, 2015, and came into force at the manufacturer level on May 20, 2016. Retailers were given 1 year (until May 21, 2017) to transition to the new TPD and standardized (plain) packaging. The regulations apply to England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Health Warning Reports, Publications & Presentations
United Kingdom’s Health Warning Document Library
Plain Packaging Reports, Publications & Presentations
United Kingdom’s Plain Packaging Document Library
Health Warnings
October 2008 to May 2016**
** The images contained in this gallery are subject to UK copyright laws. Any duplication, reproduction, or use without the express consent of said party is prohibited. Countries should be contacted individually for usage of images.
United Kingdom
