Indonesia’s health ministry is drafting regulations requiring standardised packaging for cigarettes and e-cigarettes as part of efforts to reduce smoking among children and teenagers.

The proposed rules would introduce plain packaging, mandating uniform designs for tobacco and vaping products while allowing brand names and fonts under current regulatory limits, officials said on Friday.

Andi Saguni, acting director-general of disease control at the ministry, said tobacco packaging has long been used as a marketing tool to attract young consumers.

“Evidence from multiple countries indicates that plain packaging can reduce the appeal of tobacco products, strengthen health warnings, and help prevent minors from starting to smoke,” Mr Saguni noted.

The ministry confirmed that graphic health warnings would remain mandatory under the new regulations.

The rules are being developed under the framework of Indonesia’s 2024 Health Law, with a transition period of up to 12 months for companies to adjust.

Countries such as Australia, Britain, France, Singapore and Thailand have already implemented similar plain packaging policies. 

(Xinhua/NAN)