Cigarette manufacturers operating in Singapore will be required to sell their products in standard packaging from July 1, the Straits Times reported.
According to the Ministry of health, the new rules also require the expansion of graphic health warnings to apply to all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, cigars, bidi cigarettes and hand-made cigarettes.
The measure, announced on October 31, 2018, aims to encourage smokers to quit smoking and prevent non-smokers from developing the habit of smoking.
As part of the new regulations, tobacco companies must remove all logos, colors, images and promotional information from their product packaging.
Graphics health warnings must cover at least 75% of the surface, compared with the current percentage of 50%.
With regard to penalties, the first offenders will be fined up to S $10000 (US $7171), up to six months’ imprisonment or both.
The chief executives of tobacco manufacturers will face heavier penalties.
The Singapore government has given tobacco manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and retailers a year to prepare for the new measures.
The health science administration also sent letters and e-mails to remind tobacco licensees of the new packaging regulations.
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