Serbia to introduce graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging

Serbia is implementing new regulations for tobacco packaging that will feature graphic health warnings and text. The Ministry of Health has adopted a rulebook regarding the design, shape, and content of combined health warnings on tobacco products.

Starting in 2027, cigarette packs will display a combination of 14 different textual warnings and sets of graphic images. These images are intended to illustrate the consequences of smoking and may include depictions of damaged organs, tongue cancer, black toe, or children in hospital settings and near graves. The regulations specify that manufacturers and importers cannot use special visual effects, retouch photos, or alter colors to mitigate the impact of these images.

Textual warnings will include messages such as ‘Smoking increases the risk of blindness’ and ‘Smoking can kill your unborn child.’ To assist with smoking cessation, packaging must also include contact information, including a dedicated telephone number and website. While the impact on current smokers is debated, consumer advocates suggest these visual warnings may have a significant psychological effect on potential new users, similar to existing models in Turkey and North Macedonia.