Health warning on cigarette packs in the offing
The Tobacco Products Regulations 2014
are in fulfillment of Tanzania’s obligations under the World Health
Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) aimed at
reducing smoking incidences globally. Tanzania is a signatory to the
FCTC.
The Minister for Health, Social Welfare,
Gender, Seniors and Children, Ummy Mwalimu, said the government would
enforce the regulation come September to comply with the global
convention country’s laws and regulations aimed at ensuring smokers have
adequate knowledge on health risks from smoking.
Speaking at an event to mark World
Tobacco Day in Morogoro on Tuesday, the minister admitted some
weaknesses in enforcement of tobacco regulations in the country, and
cautioned violators against breaking the law.
Large health warning requirement
followed restrictions on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship
effective March, 2015. The Health minister said the government has noted
some violations by some players in the market and has vowed to take
stern measures against them.
Our survey indicate there are violations
of the tobacco regulations which include use of tobacco branded
promotional materials with no health warnings, placement of ashtrays in
non-smoking areas and promotional activities in prohibited public areas
including the use of branded vehicles.
The survey shows some cigarette
manufacturers, such as the Tanzania Cigarette Company Ltd, have started
rolling out cigarette packs with larger health warnings ahead of the
September 2016 deadline.
The manufacture, sale and distribution
of tobacco products in the country are regulated through; The Tobacco
Products (Regulations) Act no. 2 of 2003 (Principal Legislation) and
Tobacco Product Regulations, GN number 478 of 201
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