The health ministry has instructed domestic tobacco producers that they must prepare to print graphic health warnings on their cigarette packets.

Otherwise, they could be fined. The health warnings – in both text and three-colour image – are a requirement of the Framework Convention of Tobacco Control and in its instruction issued early this month, the ministry says they must take up half the front and back of each cigarette packet.
A deadline for the text has been fixed for next June; the deadline for the image is July 2008. But the ministry has advised the industry that it would be more economical to pay for both at once.
Reportedly, the imported equipment required for printing the graphics cost Euro 5 million, with an additional VND 50 million for design. The spending for printing the graphics would mean higher prices for consumers. (pi)