Philippines - Graphic hazard warning signs for cigarette pack is already a law but not yet strictly prohibited by the government, but starting today November 4, 2016 Friday cigarette packs without graphic warnings are not allowed to sell anymore or else it will be confiscated by government officials if seen selling in the market.
Base on report the supermarket association and members has been reminded that all cigarette packs without graphic signs are allowed to sell their cigarette products till yesterday, since the said deadline is already over all cigarette packs with no graphic signs must be remove in the market, hide it the market or return the said product to their supplier to avoid penalties.
In case that members of supermarket association return the cigarette packs to their supplier, the possible solution for all cigarette packs that still in good condition is, the manufacturer or supplier must repack it to be able to use it again and put the cigarette packs with propel label of graphic hazard warning sign as ask by the law.
Small retailer who bought cigarette packs in big supermarket must return the said product to their supplier along with their receipt while the manufacturer will handle the rest on what to do on the cigarette packs with no graphic signs.
On the said law, graphic warning signs must be printed 50% on the front and back of the cigarette packs and should be locate d at the lower portions.
Penalties:
For manufacturer, importer and distributors:
First offense: a fine of not more than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00)
Second offense: a fine of not more than One million pesos (P1,000,000.00)
Third offense: a fine of not more than Two million pesos (P2,000,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than five (5) years.
For retailers and sellers:
First offense: a fine of not more than Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00)
Second offense: a fine of not more than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00)
Third offense: a fine of not more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than one (1) year.