Website of the Department of Health

The introduction of picture warnings on tobacco packs: final regulatory impact assessment

Health warnings on tobacco packets have long been a method for informing smokers of the health risks associated with smoking. Written health warnings were introduced across Europe under Directive 2001/37/EC (the ‘Labelling Directive’). These were introduced in the UK in 2003.

New picture warnings have now also been developed by the European Commission for Member States that wish to adopt them. In the 2004 White Paper ‘Choosing Health’, Ministers committed to consulting on how to use these warnings most effectively in the UK.

• Download final regulatory impact assessment (PDF, 1208K)
• The Tobacco Products (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (opens new window)
• Report on consultation