Promotion of Tobacco Products and Accessories Regulations (Prohibited Terms)

The  Promotion of Tobacco Products and Accessories Regulations (Prohibited Terms) prohibit the use of the terms "light" and "mild", and variations thereof, on various tobacco products, their packaging, promotions, retail displays, as well as on tobacco accessories. These regulations came into force in September 2011 and apply to cigarettes, little cigars, cigarette tobacco, kreteks, bidis, tobacco sticks, cigarette papers, cigarette tubes and filters.

Research has shown that light and mild tobacco products are not less harmful to smokers' health than regular tobacco products. Despite this, Health Canada studies have found that a significant proportion of tobacco users believe that these products are less harmful to their health. The current regulations remove these misleading terms from tobacco products, packaging and promotions.

Related Resources

•  Regulatory Impact Assessment Statement for the Promotion of Tobacco Products and Accessories Regulations (Prohibited Terms)