Section 15Sec./Art. 15

Graphic Health Warnings Templates and Timeline. Thirty days (30) days after the effectivity of this Act, the DOH shall issue a maximum of twelve (12) templates of Graphic Health Warnings to be rotated, as well as guidelines with respect to the specific pictures, design, or content of the information relating to the Graphic Health Warnings, and other information that must appear in the tobacco product packages. The DOH shall consider the recommendations of leading nongovernment organizations (NGOs) that have established and proven records of dealing with tobacco-related diseases and deaths. All Graphic Health Warnings issued shall comply with the specifications above and must always present the devastating effects of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke.

Under Section 6, manufacturers are given a period of one (1) year from the issuance of the initial set of templates to comply therewith.1wphi1 The initial set of templates is valid for two (2) years from implementation.

Within one (1) year from the effectivity of the initial set of templates, the DOH shall issue a new set of templates which will take effect upon expiration of the initial set. These new templates shall be valid for two (2) years and so on.

Eight (8) months after the validity of the initial set of templates, no person or legal entity shall sell or commercially distribute or display any cigarette or tobacco product without ensuring that the labels and packages, as well as any other container used in displaying the cigarette or tobacco products, meet the requirements under this Act, as mandated under Section 10 of this Act.