Revised Draft RIS: Trade Practices (Consumer Product Information Standard) - Tobacco

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Abstract:

Public comment is invited on a revised regulatory proposal for health warnings on tobacco products. The proposal again covers the introduction of larger graphic warnings for tobacco products, a new rotation system for health warnings and a new information message on the side of the pack to provide consumers with qualitative information on the toxicity of tobacco smoke.

The main features of the proposed new regulations are:

• From a nominated date, tobacco products manufactured in, or imported into Australia must be printed with new health warnings;
• A new set of 14 health warnings comprising graphic images and explanatory messages will provide information on an expanded range of health effects of smoking;

• The health warnings are to cover either:

  50% of the front and back of the tobacco product’s retail packaging. Packaging will carry a full colour graphic image and associated text on the front of the packaging and an explanatory message on the back (without graphic). The warnings are to be positioned parallel to, and as close as possible to the top edge of the package so that none of the image or words of the health warning will be severed when the package is open. or

  30% of the front and 90% of the back of the tobacco products retail packaging. Packaging will carry a full colour graphic image and associated text on the front of the packaging and a full colour graphic and an explanatory message on the back. The warnings are to be positioned parallel to, and as close as possible to the top edge of the package so that none of the image or words of the health warning will be severed when the package is open.

  [Note 1: Only one of these two coverage options would be selected prior to finalising the new regulations, so that there would be a uniform approach in the market.]

• Manufacturers and importers will be required to comply with a new rotation system for health warnings to optimise consumer learning and awareness of the harmful health effects of smoking. This involves the use of 7 messages in the first year of the new warnings, then the resting of these messages and use of another 7 messages in the second year. This system will continue for the life of the regulations. Messages are also to be equally rotated within brands over a 12 month period;
• A new information message will be required on the side of cigarette and tobacco packs. This will replace the current Government mandated listings of tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide levels on cigarette packs and provide consumers with qualitative information on the health effects of the chemicals in tobacco smoke. The inclusion of the national Quitline number and website on the back of the pack;
• A set of new health warnings (including graphic warnings) specifically for cigars intended to increase the awareness of consumers of the health risks of smoking cigars (see Attachment 4); and
• Timeframe: Manufacturers and importers will be required to meet either the current or the new requirements for 18 months from the date of gazettal, thereafter only the new requirements. On this basis, the new graphic warnings will commence appearing at the retail level around the same time as, or shortly after, the expiry of the 18 months.

Submission closing date: Friday 4 June 2004

Address written comments to:

Consumer Safety Unit
Strategy, Consumer and Group Services Division
The Treasury
Langton Crescent
PARKES ACT 2600

Email: recalls@recalls.gov.au

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