South Korea to Implement New Health Warnings on Cigarette Packs

Dec.23.2024
South Korea to Implement New Health Warnings on Cigarette Packs
South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare announced the implementation of new cigarette warning images and phrases starting December 23rd.

According to a report by MK on December 22nd, the South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that the fifth set of tobacco price health warning pictures and phrases, originally released in June, will officially be implemented starting on the 23rd after a six-month buffer period.


The Ministry of Health and Welfare has stated that the new version of cigarette packaging health warning images and phrases were selected after comprehensive consideration of their visibility and conveyance of meaning, aiming to more clearly identify the health hazards posed by various types of cigarettes. There are a total of 12 warning images, with particular updates to the eye disease and late-stage vascular disease images on cigarette packaging, strengthening the visual representation of the potential health risks associated with smoking.


In addition, the number of warning images on e-cigarette packaging has increased from 1 to 2. As for cigarettes, the warning text on the packaging has changed from phrases to full sentences.


New warning images and phrases will be applied to cigarette products produced from cigarette manufacturing sites or bonded areas starting from the 23rd. It is expected that the new packaging products will appear in retail stores such as convenience stores by the end of January next year.


According to the National Health Promotion Act, the health warning images and phrases on the fifth set of cigarette packaging will be in effect for two years, until December 22, 2026.


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