The warnings on cigarette packs regarding the associated risks of smoking will need to be more visible, and the list of messages will be expanded. The provisions are found in a bill drafted by the Ministry of Health and are set to be examined by Parliament in the first reading, reports IPN.

According to the Ministry of Health, trade names and brands will not be able to cover or reduce the visibility of health warnings. These must remain visible even after the packages are opened, and on cylindrical packages, they will be placed at equal distances.

At the same time, the warning list will be supplemented with four new messages: “Smoking causes mouth and throat cancer”, “Smoking can kill the unborn child”, “Your smoke harms your children, family, and friends” and “Quit smoking – stay alive for your loved ones”. Also, the Government will approve a gallery of images that will accompany the health warnings printed on cigarette packs and on the outer packaging of smoking tobacco products.

At the same time, additional requirements for electronic cigarettes are being established. Their packaging will need to contain a list of all ingredients, as well as information about flavors and the amount of nicotine released per dose. Moreover, the market placement of tobacco products containing additives that significantly increase toxicity or addiction potential may be prohibited.

The Ministry of Health argues the necessity of changes by aligning national legislation with European Union standards. Also, the project aims to eliminate ambiguities regarding the placement of warnings, so that they can be uniformly applied by manufacturers and importers. With some exceptions, most provisions are expected to come into effect on the date of the Republic of Moldova’s accession to the European Union.