In India, the 'COTPA 2003' (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act) mandates that health warnings on tobacco product packages must cover what minimum percentage of the principal display area?

• A 85% of the principal display area ✓
• B 40% of the principal display area
• C 50% of the principal display area
• D 30% of the principal display area

Explanation

India's COTPA 2003 Rules (amended April 2016, effective from September 2018) mandate that specified health warnings — including pictorial warnings and text — must cover 85% of the principal display area (both front and back panels) of tobacco product packages. India has one of the largest mandated pictorial health warning areas in the world. Earlier requirements were only 40% (2009 rules) and 85% was implemented after legal challenges. COTPA also regulates advertising bans, sale to minors (<18 years), and smoking in public places.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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