New Tobacco Product Labelling Messages in Canada

Health-related messages on tobacco product packaging continue to be one of the most effective ways to inform people about the dangers of tobacco use. These messages are seen daily by millions of people and play a key role in supporting healthy, tobacco‑free lives.

In 2023, the Canadian  Tobacco Products Appearance Packaging and Labelling Regulations(TPAPLR) introduced a new rotation scheme that refreshes health messages on a fixed schedule, helping keep the information novel and relevant. The first set of messages, Series 1, has appeared on tobacco packages since January 2024.

On August 1, 2026, the second set, Series 2, will come into effect. This series covers:

• Health Warnings
• Health Information Messages
• Toxicity Information
• Health Warnings on Tobacco Products

Manufacturers were able to begin using Series 2 messages up to 90 days before August 1, 2026, so these new messages may already be visible on packages at retail.

You can view the Series 2 materials on the Government of Canada website:

Series 2 - Health Warnings for all tobacco product packaging

Series 2 - Health Information Messages for Cigarettes, Little Cigars and Cigarette Tobacco

Series 2 - Toxicity Information for all tobacco product packaging

Series 2 - Health Warnings on Products (Cigarettes, Little Cigars and Tubes)

The Series 2 messages introduce new information on the health hazards of tobacco use and benefits of quitting, including topics such as colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, toxic chemicals, diabetes, and improvements in women’s health after quitting.

Also taking effect on August 1, 2026, are new placement requirements for Health Information Messages on an extended upper slide flap of cigarette packages, designed to make the messages more prominent. This new format may also begin appearing on shelves around that time.

Tobacco packaging and labelling requirements remain a cornerstone of the Government of Canada’s efforts to help adults who smoke to quit, protect youth and non‑tobacco users from nicotine addiction, reduce the appeal of tobacco products, and support Canada’s Tobacco Strategy goal of reducing tobacco use to less than 5% by 2035.