Israel rolls out rules mandating graphic images on all tobacco and smoking products

New regulations mandating graphic warning images on all smoking products, including traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, rolling tobacco, hookahs, and nicotine pouches have gone into effect as of this morning.

Rather than marketing material, packages of cigarettes and related products are now covered with explicit photos depicting the health consequences of using tobacco or nicotine. Under regulations now in effect, the pictures must cover at least 75% of the packaging.

The remaining 25% will remain the same color that Israel mandated in 2020 to eliminate brand logos and attractive design elements.

The Health Ministry says it designed the images to account for local cultural and religious sensitivities while maintaining graphic impact across all demographics.

Companies or importers that distribute non-compliant packaging face criminal charges and severe financial penalties of up to NIS 452,000 ($123,000) for corporations and NIS 226,000 ($61,400) for private businesses.

Israel signed the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2003 and ratified it in 2005, and is now one of 140 countries that have implemented full graphic photo warnings on tobacco packaging.

“The image creates an immediate connection between health damage and a product that claims over 1,000 lives every month in Israel,” says Moshe Bar-Haim, CEO of the Israel Cancer Association, in a statement.