Singapore Tobacco Products to Adopt New Packaging Starting Wednesday

According to the Straits Times, starting July 1, cigarette manufacturers operating in Singapore will be required to sell their products in standard packaging.<\/font><\/p>

The Ministry of Health stated that the new regulations also require expanded graphic health warnings, which will apply to all tobacco products, including cigarettes, little cigars, cigars, bidis, and hand-rolled tobacco products.<\/font><\/p>

This measure was announced on October 31, 2018, aimed at encouraging smokers to quit and preventing non-smokers from developing the habit.<\/font><\/p>

As part of the new regulations, tobacco companies must remove all logos, colors, images, and promotional information from their product packaging.<\/font><\/p>

Graphic health warnings must cover at least 75% of the surface, while the current percentage is 50%.<\/font><\/p>

First-time offenders will face fines of up to SGD 10,000 (USD 7,171), imprisonment for up to six months, or both.<\/font><\/p>

Those who are repeat offenders will face harsher penalties.<\/font><\/p>

The Singapore government has given tobacco manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, and retailers one year to prepare for the new measures.<\/font><\/p>

The Health Sciences Authority has also sent letters and emails to remind tobacco licensees of the new packaging regulations.<\/font><\/p>