Global overview on standardized tobacco packaging implementation

Globally, there are at least 44 countries and territories moving forward with standardized packaging, with 28 countries having adopted the measure following Australia’s lead (in 2012), 3* having it in practice and 14 other countries in varying stages of introducing standardized packaging laws. In the ASEAN region, Thailand and Singapore are the first two countries that have legislated standardized packaging. The standardized packaging law has been in force since 10 September 2019 (in Thailand) and 1 July 2020 (in Singapore). Myanmar is the third ASEAN country to adopt standardized packaging after the passage of standardized packaging notification on 12 October 2021. It will take effect after 180 days (on 10 April 2022) with a 3-month (90 days) full phase-out of old cigarette stocks by July 2022. However, the implementation of standardized packaging is delayed to 21 October 2025 due to strong tobacco industry interference. Lao PDR ranked the fourth ASEAN country to introduce standardized packaging effective by 5 December 2024, with a six-month transition period. After the tobacco industry failed to comply with the 1 March 2025 extended deadline, the Ministry of Health issued a final notice requiring compliance by 15 August 2025.