Forward Regulatory Plan 2019-2021: Tobacco Products Labelling Regulations
Title of Regulatory Initiative
Tobacco Products Labelling Regulations
Enabling Act
Tobacco and Vaping Products Act
Description
Health Canada is proposing to make changes to the health-related labelling of tobacco products and require package labelling for those products not yet subject to labelling requirements. Tobacco products considered for modified labelling requirements may include cigarettes, little cigars, cigars, pipe tobacco, bidis, kreteks, and smokeless tobacco, while products that would be subject to new requirements may include water-pipe tobacco (also known as narguileh and shisha) and blunt wraps. The goal would be to increase awareness of the health hazards and health effects associated with tobacco use. Labelling requirements for cigarettes and little cigars were last updated in 2011, while requirements for product like cigars, pipe tobacco, bidis, kreteks and smokeless tobacco were put place in 2000.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
Not Applicable
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
The proposed regulatory amendments would improve the clarity of the labelling requirements by bringing together two sets of labelling regulations into one. Tobacco manufacturers would be required to make changes to their tobacco product packaging to comply with new proposed labelling requirements.
Health Canada would require manufacturers and importers of tobacco products to ensure they have a new and constantly rotating set of labels to inform Canadians about the health effects and health hazards of tobacco use.
Consultations
Health Canada consulted with interested parties and citizens in fall 2018 on a published consultation document that includes proposals aimed at updating tobacco product labelling in Canada for a 90 day comment period.
Canadians will also have the opportunity to provide comments on the regulatory proposal during the Canada Gazette, Part I public comment period, which is expected to take place in winter 2021 and last 30 days.
Information on previous consultations and details on upcoming opportunities for consultation in the area of tobacco and vaping can be found on the Canada.ca website.
Further information
Additional information can be requested from the Departmental contact.
Departmental contact information
Denis Choinière
Director
Tobacco Products Regulatory Office
Tobacco Control Directorate
Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch
Health Canada
Telephone: 613-941-1560
Email address: hc.pregs.sc@canada.ca
Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan
April 1, 2015
Consult Health Canada’s acts and regulations web page for:
- a list of acts and regulations administered by Health Canada
- further information on Health Canada’s implementation of government-wide regulatory management initiatives
Consult the following for links to the Cabinet Directive on Regulation and supporting policies and guidance, and for information on government-wide regulatory initiatives implemented by departments and agencies across the Government of Canada:
To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit:
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