Update: New Health Warning Labels in Canada – Series 2 Launched on August 1, 2026

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

In 2023, the Tobacco Products Appearance, Packaging and Labelling Regulations (TPAPLR) introduced a rotation scheme for health-related messages on all tobacco product packaging. This rotation is designed to keep messages novel and relevant by alternating distinct series of warnings on a pre‑set schedule.

• Series 1 health-related messages have appeared on tobacco packages since January 2024.
• On August 1, 2026, Series 2 came into effect, introducing a new set of Health Warnings, Health Information Messages, Toxicity Information, and Health Warnings on Tobacco Products across cigarette, little cigar, and other tobacco packaging.

The Series 2 updates include:

• Continued large, graphic health warnings covering at least 75% of the primary display areas on packages.
• Rotating messages that emphasize both health harms (e.g., heart disease, cancer) and benefits of quitting, and that include quitline and cessation web portal information.