2 March, 2018
On 5 February 2018, the Ministry of Health ("MOH") released the Public Consultation Paper on Proposed Tobacco-Control Measures in Singapore (the "Consultation Paper").
In summary, MOH is considering introducing standardised packaging and enlarged graphic health warnings for tobacco products sold in Singapore (the "SP Proposal"). This is in line with Singapore's long-standing public health objective to promote and move towards a tobacco-free society.
Specifically, the SP Proposal contemplates the removal of all logos, colours, brand images, and promotional information on packaging, other than brand names and product names displayed in a standard colour and font style, and an increase in the minimum size of the mandatory graphic health warnings from the existing 50% to cover 75% of all specified tobacco product packaging surfaces.
The application of standardised packaging to all categories of tobacco products and packaging is recommended by the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control ("FCTC"), to which Singapore is a party. The FCTC obliges Parties, in accordance with their capabilities, to implement comprehensive tobacco control strategies in order to “reduce continually and substantially the prevalence of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke”.
If you wish to provide comments or feedback, the closing date to do so is 16 March 2018. MOH's Consultation Paper may be found here.
For further information, please contact:
Andy Leck, Principal, Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow
andy.leck@bakermckenzie.com
