Abu Dhabi: Cigarette packages that do not contain graphic health warnings will be banned from public sale in the United Arab Emirates after January 1 under new laws announced yesterday in Abu Dhabi.
UAE | Health
Cigarette graphics mandatory after January 1
No further extensions will be awarded to clear old stock
- By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter
- Published: 18:49 December 26, 2012
- Image Credit: Supplied
- Cigarette packages that do not contain graphic health warnings will be banned from public sale in the UAE after January 1.
In an announcement on Wednesday by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA), only cigarette packages emblazoned with mandatory graphic imagery of the hazards of smoking introduced earlier this year will be legally offered for sale in 2013.
Mohammad Saleh Badri, acting director general of the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA), said no company is exempt from the rules.
“Esma has met with representatives of tobacco producers and emphasised to them the new standards and the government’s keenness to enforce it on time,” said a statement from Esma.
The body said that it is working with economic ministry officials in several emirates, the Abu Dhabi Council for Standardisation and Quality as well as Dubai Municipality to ensure the sweeping new rule is enforced across the country.
In an interview last night with Gulf News, Badri said “there won’t be any further extension at all” in reference to a six-month extension in June this year of the rules to allow cigarette companies to sell older existing stocks of tobacco products that did not contain the graphic imagery.
The last day of that extension ends on December 31.
Badri said the extension was awarded by authorities this year because “it was impractical to withdraw stock at the time” and he pointed out that some cigarette companies have already withdrawn older products from circulation to fully comply with the law ahead of time.
“We will strictly implement this from January 1. Those who do not comply with this particular rule will face strict penalties,” Badri said, adding that penalties could range in severity from fines starting from Dh15,000 all the way up to a “product being withdrawn from the market.”
Latest news
- Fee increase and new policy for scholarships
- Pupils to build sculptures from recycled items
- Ferry route to Lebanon Island from Friday
- Can’t conceive? Don’t just blame it on women
- Worker accused of stabbing cousin over money row
- Two men accused of stealing 600m of cables
- Man arrested in Ajman on drug charges
- Thieves net 4.5kg of gold in robbery
- Forum to tackle energy-law relationship
- Dewa’s Al Tayer praised for efforts
- ‘More health education needed for schools’
- Halal mark a must for food products
- Couple jailed one year for sex outside marriage
- Dubai drug officers framed client, lawyer claims
- Sleeping pods available at Abu Dhabi airport
Community Reports
-
Traffic rules ignored by pedestrians
Reader points out how regardless of a pedestrian crossing, pedestrians continue to break the rules.
-
Have you seen reader’s dog?
Reader’s dog went missing in Al Warqaa 3 area in Dubai.
-
Make your own superhero art competition
Teenagers create their own superheroes and develop artistic skills
-
Save-a-Heart-Day teaches healthy heart lessons
Participants learn the value of developing good-living habits early on
