New regulations requiring graphic warning images on all tobacco and nicotine products went into effect in Israel Sunday, covering traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, rolling tobacco, hookahs, and nicotine pouches.

Under the new rules, packages must display explicit images showing the health consequences of tobacco use, with the warnings covering at least 75% of the packaging. The remaining 25% must retain the plain color scheme mandated by Israel in 2020, which removed brand logos and attractive packaging designs.

The Health Ministry said the images were carefully designed to balance graphic impact with Israel’s cultural and religious sensitivities, while effectively communicating the dangers of smoking and nicotine use.

Companies and importers distributing products that do not comply with the new packaging requirements could face criminal charges and significant fines, reaching up to NIS 452,000 ($123,000) for corporations and NIS 226,000 ($61,400) for private businesses.

Israel signed the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2003 and ratified it in 2005. With the new regulations, Israel joins approximately 140 countries that have implemented full graphic photo warnings on tobacco packaging.

“The image creates an immediate connection between health damage and a product that claims over 1,000 lives every month in Israel,” said Moshe Bar-Haim, CEO of the Israel Cancer Association.

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