News: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare amended Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Rules, 2008.
Facts:
- New sets of specified health warnings for all tobacco product packs has been notified by the amendment.
- All tobacco products manufactured or imported or packaged on or after September 1, shall display the first images
- Those manufactured or imported or packaged on or after September 1, 2021 shall display the second image.
- Violation of the provision is a punishable offence under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003.
Additional Facts:
Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA)
- It prohibits advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products in India.
- Smoking in public places (including indoor workplaces) is prohibited.
- Pictorial warnings: Pictorial warnings on both sides of packages of cigarettes, bidis and all forms of chewing tobacco products is compulsory and currently covers 85% of the packet.
