New Australian regulations now require tobacco companies to print health warnings on every cigarette sold, alongside refreshed packaging warnings and quitting guidance inserts. A phased ban on menthol cigarettes has also begun.

Despite Australia’s relatively low smoking rate, smoking-related illnesses still claim 66 Australian lives daily, according to the Cancer Council. These measures follow a year-long adjustment period for the tobacco industry.

When Do These Changes Take Effect?

The new rules officially begin today, but retailers have until 30th June to comply. During this grace period, businesses can sell or return old stock before full compliance starts in July.

Phased Ban on Menthol Cigarettes

From today, menthol and menthol derivatives are banned in cigarettes. However, retailers may continue selling menthol cigarettes until the transition period ends on 30th June.

Why Ban Menthol Cigarettes?

Public health experts state that menthol reduces the harshness of smoke, making cigarettes easier to tolerate and increasing the likelihood of continued smoking, particularly among young people.

Warnings on Individual Cigarettes

New “on-product health messages” will be printed directly onto cigarette filters, remaining visible even after smoking.

What Do the Warnings Say?

The government has standardised the following warnings on cigarette filters:

Toxic addiction
Poisons in every puff
Causes 16 cancers
Damages your lungs
Damages your DNA
Who is this harming?
What is this costing you?
Shortens your life

Updated Packaging Regulations

Existing plain packaging laws have been strengthened. Graphic warning images must now cover:

75% of the front of the pack or carton
90% of the back of the pack or carton

Why Update Packaging?

Experts say the impact of previous warnings has declined over time as people have become desensitised. The updated warnings highlight additional risks, including:

Diabetes
Erectile dysfunction
Cervical cancer
DNA damage
Reduced lung capacity in children exposed to second-hand smoke

Inserts Inside Cigarette Packs

Tobacco companies must now include information leaflets inside cigarette packs, encouraging people to quit, offering quitting support and highlighting the benefits of stopping smoking.

Timeline of the Changes

The government announced these measures in November 2022, with laws passed in December 2023. Retailers were given a year to transition, plus an additional three months to sell off old stock.

Additional Legislative Changes

The reforms also:

Extend advertising restrictions to include vapes and new tobacco products
Ban misleading product names suggesting reduced harm
Prohibit cigarettes with ‘crush balls’ (flavour capsules)
Standardise packet and product sizes

These measures represent Australia’s ongoing efforts to reduce smoking rates and prevent future generations from taking up the habit.

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