Mandatory information standard for tobacco (graphic health warnings) commences 1 January 2012

Published

The Competition and Consumer (Tobacco) Information Standard 2011 (Standard) covers all retail tobacco products sold in Australia, that are made for human consumption, be it smoking, sucking, chewing or snuffing. 

The standard commences on 1 January 2012 and takes full effect on 1 December 2012.  Between 1 January and 30 November 2012, tobacco products regulated under the Trade Practices (Consumer Product Information Standards) (Tobacco) Regulations 2004 (2004 Regulations) must comply with either the new 2011 Standard or the 2004 Regulations.  Tobacco products not subject to the 2004 Regulations may comply with the Standard but are not obliged to until 1 December 2012.  From 1 December 2012, all tobacco products sold at retail must comply with the new standard.

The official version of the new standard and its accompanying explanatory statement can be found at the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments (FRLI) website: Competition and Consumer (Tobacco) Information Standard 2011

The ACCC is currently preparing a supplier guide to assist industry in complying with the new standard.

Contact details

ACCC Infocentre: 1300 302 502

Email: psa@accc.gov.au

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