All tobacco products sold in the Nepali market must carry pictorial health warnings and messages that cover 100 percent of the principal display areas—both front and back—of boxes, packets, and wrappers effective from August 17 (Bhadra 1, 2082 BS).

The Ministry of Health and Population has endorsed the Directive for Printing and Labelling of Warning Messages and Pictures on the Boxes, Packets, Wrappers, Cartons, Parcels and Packaging of Tobacco Products, 2025 , which mandates the new labeling standards.

According to the directive, manufacturers must print clear and visible warning messages in Nepali, such as “Consumption of tobacco products is injurious to health,” along with graphic, full-color images illustrating the health hazards of tobacco use. These warnings must appear on both the inside and outside surfaces of packaging for cigarettes, bidis, chewing tobacco, gutkha, and other tobacco products.

Previously, health warnings covered 90 percent of the principal display area. Under the new directive, this has been increased to 100 percent, leaving no space for branding on the front and back of the packaging.

Under Secretary Gopi Krishna Regmi, who also serves as the member secretary of the Secretariat of the Health Tax Fund in Kathmandu, said preparations are underway to introduce plain packaging by amending the Tobacco Products (Control and Regulatory) Act, 2068 BS (2011) .

“The concept of plain packaging eliminates branding and ensures uniformity in packaging, making the health warnings more prominent,” Regmi said. -- RSS