Recently, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) in Oman released a standard specification document (OS 1655:2022) regarding plain packaging for tobacco products. This specification will be enforceable on relevant standard regulations in Oman.
The Ministry of Commerce has announced that this regulation complies with the obligations of countries that have ratified the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which requires signatory countries to reduce global tobacco use. Previously, Oman had set a target to reduce tobacco consumption by 30% by 2025.
Dr. Jawad al Lawati, a senior consultant for Oman's National Tobacco Control Committee, stated in an interview with local media that this is an important step towards implementing tobacco control measures.
He stated that at least 65% of the packaging will now feature public health warnings, images, and smoking cessation information, with the remainder featuring brand names. "This portion of brand names will use standardized fonts and colors based on regulations determined by MoCIIP.
What is minimalist packaging?
According to 2FIRSTS, plain packaging refers to a governmental requirement that certain specific products only use standardized colors, fonts, and shapes in their packaging, and cannot use specific logos or other trademark elements. The intention of this measure is to reduce consumption of harmful products such as tobacco and alcohol, as well as to reduce their appeal to youth.
This measure has already been implemented in some countries and regions, such as Australia, France, and the United Kingdom. Oman is the second country in the Middle East to adopt plain packaging for tobacco products, following Saudi Arabia. In December 2018, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority notified tobacco product manufacturers and importers that all forms of tobacco products should be marketed with plain packaging, with no decorations.
Related Readings:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that Saudi Arabia's adoption of plain packaging for tobacco products is a groundbreaking step towards tobacco control.
Reference sources:
Text of the Regulation by the Ministry of Commerce
Oman has implemented a policy of plain packaging for all tobacco products. The decision aims to reduce the appeal of smoking and discourage tobacco use. The new regulations require all tobacco packages to feature a standard color and font, with graphic health warnings covering at least 75% of each side of the package. This move follows the example of other countries that have successfully implemented plain packaging to reduce smoking rates.
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