Facts & Figures
Graphic Pack Warnings
India is obliged to implement large graphic warnings
Under Article 11 of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), parties are required to implement packaging and labelling that effectively communicates – to both current tobacco smokers and to non-smokers and youth – the health risks associated with tobacco use. India is a party to the FCTC.
The implementation of graphic pack warnings is one of the World Health Organization’s M-P-O-W-E-R (W=Warn) strategies to reduce tobacco consumption.
Large graphic warnings are effective
Large graphic warnings are so effective because the tobacco user easily sees the warning every time they reach for or look at the tobacco pack – so the message is repeated and reinforced numerous times, every day.
Research from around the globe has shown that graphic warnings are:
The need for large graphic warnings in India:
About tobacco use in India
According to The Tobacco Atlas, in India:
trillion rupees every year – just among adults aged between 35 and 69. The total cost across all age groups would be even higher.
India has fallen behind on implementing large graphic warnings, but has been successful in implementing novel strategies like its “Film rule”, where public service announcements warning of the dangers of tobacco use must be screened alongside films and TV shows that depict tobacco use.
Articles, News and more
Op-ed, Indian Express:
April 2, 2015: A promise to Sunita Tomar
Read more
News Release from World Lung Foundation:
April 2, 2015: Sunita Tomar’s Story Shows Why India Needs Large Graphic Warnings
Read more
Under Article 11 of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), parties are required to implement packaging and labelling that effectively communicates – to both current tobacco smokers and to non-smokers and youth – the health risks associated with tobacco use. India is a party to the FCTC.