The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has vide Notification GSR 182(E) dated 15th March, 2008, framed the Rules relating to Packaging & Labeling of Tobacco Products.. These Rules come into force from 30th November, 2008. Pursuant to representation from various Industries’ Federation, the Packaging & Labeling Rules have now been reviewed. It is now permissible to paste the Specified Health Warnings on the retail packages of tobacco products. It has also been clarified that the Specified Health Warnings will not be required to be pasted or affixed on packages such as gunny bags.
The Rules have been further modified allowing specified health warnings as per language used on the pack. However, if more than one language(s) is used on the pack, the specified warning shall appear in two languages, viz. one in which the brand name appears and the other in the local language of the area where the product is sold.
The Amendment Rules largely redresses the grievances of various industrial associations including the All India Bidi Industries Federation.
DS/GK/Bidi/401
(Release ID :43763)