The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified the new health warnings through the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labeling) Amendment Rules, vide G.S.R-727 dated 15th October 2014. As per the New Rules, pictorial health warnings shall occupy at least eighty five percent (85%) of the principal display area of the package (85% includes 60% of pictorial health warning and 25% of textual health warning).

This notification was to come into effect from 1st April 2015. However, in view of the fact that the matter was under examination of Committee on Subordinate Legislation (CoSL), Lok Sabha, a corrigendum was issued on 26th March 2015 suspending the date of implementation and stating that the date of implementation shall be as appointed/notified by the Government.

On 24th September 2015, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified that the New Rules on pictorial health warnings would come into effect from 1st April 2016.

The Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.