The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) announced new regulations today that will update health warnings on cigarette and other tobacco product packaging. These changes aim to raise awareness of the dangers of tobacco use and encourage people to quit. This notification was issued on December 3, 2024.
The key points of the new regulations are:
Stronger Textual Warning
The current warning message will be replaced with “TOBACCO CAUSES PAINFUL DEATH.” This message will be accompanied by a quitline number (1800-11-2356) printed in white on a black background.
Color-Coded Backgrounds
The background for the textual warning will be a bright red, aiming to grab attention and emphasize the severity of the health risks.
Rotating Graphic Warnings
Every year, a new graphic image depicting the health consequences of tobacco use will be displayed on packaging. These images will be available online at the MoHFW website and the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) website.
The new regulations come into effect on the date of publication in the official gazette. Existing graphic warnings will remain in place for the next twelve months or until the new graphic warnings are uploaded online by the MoHFW.
Public health experts anticipate these regulations will have a significant impact on tobacco use in India. The strong message and graphic imagery are designed to deter people from starting to smoke and encourage current smokers to quit.
The MoHFW encourages smokers to seek help quitting by calling the National Quitline (1800-11-2356) or visiting the MoHFW and NTCP websites for resources and support.
