On 25 May 2016, the Official Gazette of the Republic of Vanuatu published the amendment to the country’s Tobacco Control Regulation Act.

Vanuatu now requires graphic health warnings to occupy at least 90% of the principal display surface on the front and back; 30% text and 60% image. This is the biggest coverage of graphic health warnings in the Pacific Islands and equals in size the world record size warning of Nepal.

The amendment to the Act further regulates testing and measuring the contents and emissions of tobacco products. Such tests must be carried out by the tobacco companies and submitted to the relevant Government authority. All expenses of such tests will be borne by the tobacco industry.

The amendment also refers to the areas where smoke-free rules apply. These include prisons, restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars, bringing the legislation in line with the recommendations of the Guidelines for implementation of Article 8 of the Convention.