Standardized tobacco packaging compliant with the law must be in a dull, brown color only, and be without any decorative shape, texture and element. Seventy-five percent of the pack should display pictorial health warnings.
1 April, Bangkok – The Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) has reiterated that all tobacco companies in Myanmar are required to fully comply with the country’s Standardized Tobacco Packaging Law by today, 1 April, the final deadline given by the government. SEATCA blasted tobacco companies in Myanmar, which have already enjoyed more than 30 months of delays and still fail to comply with the law.
Standardized packaging aims to reduce the attractiveness and appeal of tobacco products, particularly to young people, eliminate misleading package labels and designs, and increase the prominence of pictorial health warnings to more effectively inform consumers about the severe and often irreversible diseases caused by tobacco use.
With over 17 million smokers, Myanmar faces a severe tobacco epidemic, with 60,000 deaths annually attributed to tobacco use and an estimated MMK 2.62 trillion (USD 1.92 billion) in healthcare costs.
The standardized tobacco packaging law is a critical public health measure that aligns with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
“No more excuses!” said SEATCA Executive Director Dr Ulysses Dorotheo. “The tobacco industry must comply with the law immediately.The health of Myanmar’s citizens cannot be compromised by further delays.”
SEATCA continues to monitor the situation closely, working closely with local partners in Myanmar to ensure full and sustained compliance with the standardized tobacco packaging law.
Contact Information:
Ms Val Bugnot, Media and Communications Manager, SEATCA
Email: val@seatca.org
Mobile: +63 917 312 4600
About SEATCA
SEATCA is a multi-sectoral non-governmental alliance promoting health and saving lives by assisting ASEAN countries to accelerate and effectively implement the tobacco control measures contained in the WHO FCTC. Acknowledged by governments, academic institutions, and civil society for its advancement of tobacco control in Southeast Asia, the WHO bestowed on SEATCA the World No Tobacco Day Award in 2004 and the WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Award in 2014. SEATCA is an accredited ASEAN entity and an official Observer to the WHO FCTC Conference of Parties.