This table details the health warning requirements – on labels, commercial communications, and at point of sale – that apply to alcohol beverages, in all countries for which IARD has been able to verify the information with the respective national authorities or through publicly accessible documents. It also lists health warnings that alcohol producers include on product labels in addition to statutory requirements.
This table is updated on an ongoing basis as jurisdictions enact or revise their requirements with assistance from staff of the Law Library of Congress (Washington, DC). The listed update date for this table indicates when IARD last conducted a review of records across all countries. For more information on how the table is populated, see What goes in the IARD Policy Tables?
If you find any of the information outdated, please email us at RegDB@iard.org.
For details on other labeling requirements such as alcohol content, caloric content, nutrition, or country of origin, please see the Beverage Alcohol Labeling Requirements table.
IARD actions to raise standards in health warnings
On 25 January 2020, IARD Members announced an immediate roll out of "a clear age-restriction symbol or equivalent words on all of [their] alcohol brand products – including alcohol-free extensions of alcohol brands – ..., where legally permissible, with compliance across all markets by 2024."
In May 2021, CEO Chair and Vice-Chair of IARD and IARD CEO outlined the detail of an initiative to add symbols or a form of words warning against drinking during pregnancy and driving while intoxicated in a letter to Dr. Tedros, Director General of the World Health Organization.
Suggested citation
International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD). (2021). Health warning requirements. Retrieved from https://iard.org/science-resources/detail/Health-Warning-Labeling-Requirements
The resources on this website are not intended as health advice to individuals about their drinking. People with specific questions about their drinking are encouraged to consult a healthcare professional. Together, they can determine what is best for that individual, based on individual risk factors, including family history, genetics, and lifestyle. For some people, the better choice may be to not drink at all.
IARD Policy Tables are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. All IARD materials include a date of content review and they should be read in their entirety and not misrepresented or taken out of context.
| Country/Territory | Health warnings on labels | Health warnings on marketing communications | Health warnings at point of sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
| Albania | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Algeria | [none found] | Not applicable. Advertisements are not permitted. |
[none found] |
| Andorra | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Angola | Executive decree nº 124/06 Labels of alcohol beverages must contain one of the messages: "To be consumed with moderation." "Forbidden for sale for under 18 years of age." |
Law No. 9/17 Art 22.3 Advertisements must include a message about the need to consume alcohol in moderation or about its potential risks for public health. |
[none found] |
| Antigua and Barbuda | West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA) Labeling guide (2020) Labels must include 3 recommended logos grouped together, each of minimum diameter 10mm (containers >1L), 8mm (containers 500mL-1L), or 5mm (containers 50mL-500mL), containers of below 50mL are exempt; and a standardized message such as ‘Drink responsibly’; ‘Drink in moderation’; ‘Drink sensibly’; ‘Know your limits’; or direct consumers to a relevant alcohol-health website e.g. “for further health information visit www.responsibledrinking.org”  |
West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA), Code of Practice for Responsible Advertising & Marketing of Spirit Drinks (2019) A responsible drinking message should be carried on all advertising: traditional and digital, including brand websites, and print point of sale materials. The content and size of the message is to be determined by the individual company. |
[none found] |
| Argentina | National Law 24.788 to combat alcoholism, Art 5 Decree 149/2009 Approving regulation of Law 24.788 Annex Article 5 Labels of all alcohol beverages (those of 0.5% ABV or above) must include in prominent writing and in a visible place… the following warnings: “Drink in moderation” “Sale prohibited to minors below 18” National Institute of Viticulture, Resolution 26/2022 Annex Labels of wine products must include, in a visible place and contrasting colors, a pictogram of a circle with crossed out silhouette of a pregnant woman of minimum size 6mm  |
National Law 24.788 to combat alcoholism Art 6 Decree 149/2009 Approving regulation of Law 24.788 Annex Article 6 All advertisement of alcohol beverages in mass communications media must include the warnings: "Drink in moderation” “Sale prohibited to minors below 18 |
Decree 149/2009 Approving regulation of Law 24.788 Annex Article 1 All licensed premises must exhibit, in legible font size, the warning: “Sale prohibited to minors below 18 - National Law to Combat Alcoholism Nº 24.788”. |
| Armenia | Eurasian Economic Union Technical Regulation TR-EAEU 047/2018 "On the safety of alcohol beverages" planned to come into force 1 January 2027 (check status): Beverages of 0.5% ABV or higher must bear a warning message "Excessive consumption of alcohol is harmful to your health” in capital letters in a easily readable font size in contrasting color and takes up at least 10% of the label, and include the message: “Alcohol use is not recommended for persons under the age of 18, pregnant and lactating women, as well as persons with diseases of the nervous system and internal organs.” | [none found] | [none found] |
| Australia | Food Standards in Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), Alcohol beverage labeling (2023) Beverages of of greater than 1.15%ABV must include a pictogram and text "PREGNANCY WARNING: Alcohol can cause lifelong harm to your baby"  |
[none found] | [none found] |
| Austria | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Azerbaijan | [none found] | Law on Advertising 2015 Article 27 Advertising of alcohol beverages of above 5%ABV should be accompanied by a warning that excessive use is harmful to health. This notice must be at least 10% of the advertising area. |
[none found] |
| Bahamas | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Bahrain | Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
| Bangladesh | Not applicable. Sale is prohibited except to holders of a permit from the Department of Narcotics Control; Muslims may only obtain a permit for medical reasons. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited except to holders of a permit from the Department of Narcotics Control; Muslims may only obtain a permit for medical reasons. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited except to holders of a permit from the Department of Narcotics Control; Muslims may only obtain a permit for medical reasons. |
| Barbados | West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA) Labeling guide (2020) Labels must include 3 recommended logos grouped together, each of minimum diameter 10mm (containers >1L), 8mm (containers 500mL-1L), or 5mm (containers 50mL-500mL), containers of below 50mL are exempt; and a standardized message such as ‘Drink responsibly’; ‘Drink in moderation’; ‘Drink sensibly’; ‘Know your limits’; or direct consumers to a relevant alcohol-health website e.g. “for further health information visit www.responsibledrinking.org” |
West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA), Code of Practice for Responsible Advertising & Marketing of Spirit Drinks (2019) A responsible drinking message should be carried on all advertising: traditional and digital, including brand websites, and print point of sale materials. The content and size of the message is to be determined by the individual company. |
[none found] |
| Belarus | Eurasian Economic Union Technical Regulation TR-EAEU 047/2018 "On the safety of alcohol beverages" planned to come into force 1 January 2027 (check status): Beverages of 0.5% ABV or higher must bear a warning message "Excessive consumption of alcohol is harmful to your health” in capital letters in a easily readable font size in contrasting color and takes up at least 10% of the label, and include the message: “Alcohol use is not recommended for persons under the age of 18, pregnant and lactating women, as well as persons with diseases of the nervous system and internal organs.” | Law on Advertising Articles 17-18 All advertising of alcohol beverages to include a warning on the dangers of excessive consumption to take no less than 10% of the area/time of the advertisement. |
[none found] |
| Belgium | [none found] | Covenant on advertising alcohol beverages (2019) 2024 health warning update Advertisements to include the message “Alcohol abuse harms your health” from July 1, 2024; previously, "Taste our know-how wisely" or "Beer brewed carefully, to be consumed with care" were to be included depending on beverage type. |
[none found] |
| Belize | West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA) Labeling guide (2020) Labels must include 3 recommended logos grouped together, each of minimum diameter 10mm (containers >1L), 8mm (containers 500mL-1L), or 5mm (containers 50mL-500mL), containers of below 50mL are exempt; and a standardized message such as ‘Drink responsibly’; ‘Drink in moderation’; ‘Drink sensibly’; ‘Know your limits’; or direct consumers to a relevant alcohol-health website e.g. “for further health information visit www.responsibledrinking.org” |
West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA), Code of Practice for Responsible Advertising & Marketing of Spirit Drinks (2019) A responsible drinking message should be carried on all advertising: traditional and digital, including brand websites, and print point of sale materials. The content and size of the message is to be determined by the individual company. |
[none found] |
| Benin | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Bhutan | [none found] | Not applicable. Advertising is not permitted. |
[none found] |
| Bolivia | Law 259 of 2012 on Control of Sale and Consumption of Alcohol Beverages Art 9 Labels of all alcohol beverages must include the following warnings occupying no less than 10% of the label on the product container, in legible capital letters that contrast with the background. “Excessive consumption of alcohol is harmful to health” “Sale prohibited to minors below 18” |
Law 259 of 2012 on Control of Sale and Consumption of Alcohol Beverages Art 9 Advertising for all alcohol beverages must include the following warnings in legible capital letters that contrast with the background. “Excessive consumption of alcohol is harmful to health” “Sale prohibited to minors below 18” |
Law 259 of 2012 on Control of Sale and Consumption of Alcohol Beverages Art 9 Licensed premises must place these warnings in visible places: “Excessive consumption of alcohol is harmful to health” “Sale prohibited to minors below 18” |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | [none found] | [none found] | Law on Internal Trade 2010 Art 10.2 "At all points of sale where alcohol beverages and beverages containing alcohol, tobacco and tobacco products are sold, a sign prohibiting their sale to persons under 18 years of age must be displayed." |
| Botswana | [none found] | Botswana Alcohol Industry Association (BAIA) Constitution, codes, and rules (2009) All advertisements will carry the message: “Not for sale to persons under the age of 18”. |
[none found] |
| Brazil | Law N.9.294, 15 July 1996 and Decree No. 2.018 of 1 October 1996 Beverages of 13%ABV and above: "Avoid excessive alcohol consumption." National Advertising Self-Regulation Council (CONAR), Brazilian Advertising Self-Regulation Code: Labels shall reiterate that sale and consumption of the product are indicated for persons older than 18 only. |
Law N.9.294, 15 July 1996 Marketing communications for beverages of 0.5%ABV or higher must include a health warning as specified by the Ministry of Health. National Advertising Self-Regulation Council (CONAR), Brazilian Advertising Self-Regulation Code requires inclusion of a warning adopted by specific resolution of the CONAR Superior Council: Drink with caution Sale and consumption of alcohol beverages are prohibited to minors This product is destined for adults Avoid excessive alcohol consumption Do not exaggerate consumption The less you drink the more fun you have If you drive, do not drink To serve alcohol beverage to minors below 18 is a crime or similar message |
Law N.9.294, 15 July 1996 A notice must be posted legibly and ostensibly that it is a crime to drive under the influence of alcohol, punishable by imprisonment. |
| Brunei Darussalam | Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
| Bulgaria | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Burkina Faso | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Burundi | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Cabo Verde | Law No. 46/2007 Code of Advertising Art 19 as amended by Law No. 51/IX/2019 Art 46.6 Labels of all alcohol beverages must include messages alerting to the harms caused by consumption, in particular for minors, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, and that excessive, untimely or inconvenient consumption seriously harms health. |
Not applicable Law 46/2007 Code of Advertising as amended by Law No. 51/IX/2019 Art 46 prohibits advertising. |
Law No.27/V/97 Art 6 All establishments that sell alcohol beverages must install boards in a clearly visible place that contain either of the following entries, as appropriate: "The sale, supply, provision and / or consumption of alcoholic beverages to persons under 18 years is prohibited." "Entry and the serving of those under 18 is prohibited." |
| Cambodia | [none found] | Ministy of Information Prakas No. 084 of 23 July 2024 Marketing communications for beverages of greater than 3%ABV on all media are required to include an educational message, such as “Do not consume alcohol and drive” or “Consume alcohol responsibly,” on at least a quarter of the communication’s space. Self-regulation Code for Responsible Alcohol Marketing and Communication 2024 All posts by influencers should contain a responsible drinking message. …For all print, broadcast or digital communications, and where possible other forms of communication must include a voluntary responsible drinking message. Co-Regulatory Agreement between Ministry of Information and Asia Pacific International Wine and Spirits Alliance (APIWSA): Code of Responsible Alcohol Beverages Communications 2017 Requires all print, broadcast or digital communications, and where possible other forms of communication, include a voluntary responsible drinking message which is clearly legible and noticeable. |
[none found] |
| Cameroon | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Canada | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Central African Republic | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Chad | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Chile | (comes into effect 8 July, 2024) Law 19.925 on the Sale and Consumption of Alcohol Beverages Art 40 bis Decree 98-2023 Alcohol beverages of 0.5%ABV or higher must display a clear warning about the dangers of excessive consumption on their packaging and promotional materials. This warning consists of a black and white graphic on the back of the packaging, featuring three octagonal symbols depicting a car, a pregnant woman, and the number 18, along with the text "WARNING. Harmful use of alcohol damages your health."  |
(comes into effect 8 July, 2024) Law 19.925 on the Sale and Consumption of Alcohol Beverages Art 40 bis Decree 98-2023 Print andonline advertisements mus include the word "WARNING" and one of the following phrases: - All alcohol consumption is harmful during pregnancy. - All alcohol consumption limits the ability to drive. - The consumption of alcohol by minors under 18 years of age is prohibited. - Harmful consumption of alcohol damages your health. For audiovisial advertising, a warning that complies with the provisions for labeling will be displayed for a period of no less than three seconds. For radio announcements, any of the warnings indicated in the labeling provisions must be announced after the advertisement for a period of no less than three seconds. |
[none found] |
| China | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Chinese Taipei | Tobacco and Alcohol Administration Act Art 32 Regulations Governing the Labeling of Alcohol Labels of all alcohol beverages must state "Excessive consumption of alcohol is harmful to health" or one of the following: 1. To be safe, don't drink and drive. 2. Excessive drinking is harmful to you and others. 3. Drinking is prohibited if under 18 years old. 4. Large quantity intake of alcohol product in a short period of time is lethal. 5. Other warnings approved by the central competent authority. Warnings must be on contrasting background of font size at least 2.65 mm and be placed in a conspicuous place on the container's largest external surface. |
Tobacco and Alcohol Administration Act Art 37 Enforcement Rules of the Tobacco and Alcohol Administration Act Article 11 Must include the warnings "Driving after drinking is prohibited" and "Excessive drinking endangers health"; these must appear throughout in an overlapping manner and independently occupy at least 10% of the total space. Taiwan Alcohol Beverage Alcohol Forum (TBAF), Marketing code of conduct for commercial communications of alcoholic beverages in Taiwan A responsible drinking message should be included in all print, TV, Cinema advertising and on company and brand websites. The responsible drinking message must be clearly legible and noticeable on all the advertisements including websites. |
Tobacco and Alcohol Administration Act Art 35 Licensed premises must conspicuously display the following warning text and images at the entrance and exit or other appropriate locations: "Don’t Drink and Drive."  "Sale of alcohol to anyone under 18 is prohibited." "This establishment does not sell alcohol to anyone under 18." |
| Colombia | Ministry of Health and Social Protection Decree 1686 of 9 August 2012 The labels of beverages of 2.5%ABV or higher must exhibit the warnings ... 1. “Excessive use of alcohol is harmful to health”. This warning must take up, at a minimum, a tenth of the label’s area, be placed on the front, and be located at the bottom in easily readable font contrasting with the background. … 2. “It is prohibited to sell intoxicating beverages to minors.” |
Ministry of Health and Social Protection Decree 1686 of 9 August 2012 All advertising of alcohol beverages must carry the warnings: “It is prohibited to sell intoxicating beverages to minors.” “Excessive use of alcohol is harmful to health.” |
[none found] |
| Comoros | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Congo | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Congo, Democratic Republic of | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Costa Rica | Decree No. 38413 of 28 February 2014 Resolution No 332-2013 (COMIECOLXVI) of 12 December 2013 Central American Customs Union Technical Regulations, Alcohol Beverages, Labeling Requirements (annex 1 and 2) Labels of all beverages of higher than 0.5%ABV must include a cautionary panel with the message "excessive consumption of alcohol beverages is harmful to health" or similar. |
[none found] | [none found] |
| Cote d'Ivoire | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Croatia | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Cuba | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Cyprus | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Czech Republic | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Denmark | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Djibouti | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Dominica | West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA) Labeling guide (2020) Labels must include 3 recommended logos grouped together, each of minimum diameter 10mm (containers >1L), 8mm (containers 500mL-1L), or 5mm (containers 50mL-500mL), containers of below 50mL are exempt; and a standardized message such as ‘Drink responsibly’; ‘Drink in moderation’; ‘Drink sensibly’; ‘Know your limits’; or direct consumers to a relevant alcohol-health website e.g. “for further health information visit www.responsibledrinking.org” |
West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA), Code of Practice for Responsible Advertising & Marketing of Spirit Drinks (2019) A responsible drinking message should be carried on all advertising: traditional and digital, including brand websites, and print point of sale materials. The content and size of the message is to be determined by the individual company. |
[none found] |
| Dominican Republic | Law 42-01 General Health Law, Art 123 Labels of beer (malted beverage with of 2%-6%ABV) and alcohol beverages of 6%ABV and above should include the warning “Alcohol consumption harms health.” written in easily readable font and in contrasting color. West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA) Labeling guide (2020) Labels must include 3 recommended logos grouped together, each of minimum diameter 10mm (containers >1L), 8mm (containers 500mL-1L), or 5mm (containers 50mL-500mL), containers of below 50mL are exempt; and a standardized message such as ‘Drink responsibly’; ‘Drink in moderation’; ‘Drink sensibly’; ‘Know your limits’; or direct consumers to a relevant alcohol-health website e.g. “for further health information visit www.responsibledrinking.org” |
Law 42-01 General Health Law, Art 123 All advertising of alcohol beverages must bear the warning “Alcohol consumption harms health.” West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA), Code of Practice for Responsible Advertising & Marketing of Spirit Drinks (2019) A responsible drinking message should be carried on all advertising: traditional and digital, including brand websites, and print point of sale materials. The content and size of the message is to be determined by the individual company. |
Ministry of Health Resolution 0029-2022 Alcohol and pregnancy Licensed premises are required to post in a visible place, preferably near product displays (supermarkets) or entryways (specialized retailers) a poster 11x17 inches in size with the following warning: "Avoid alcohol consumption if you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant. Drinking alcohol while pregnant affects the baby, causing permanent mental delays and severe damage to organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys, causing fetal alcohol syndrome." |
| Ecuador | Decree 1314 of 2000 General Regulation for Natural Law for Consumer Protection Warnings must be legible, using distinguishable colors: Beverages of above 5%ABV: “Warning: The excessive consumption of alcohol limits your capacity to operate machinery and can cause harm to your health and family. Ministry of Health of Ecuador. Sale prohibited to minors below 18 years old.” The warning must occupy at least 10% of the total surface area. Beverages of 5%ABV and below: “Warning: The excessive consumption of alcohol can cause harm to your health. Ministry of Health of Ecuador.” The warning must occupy at least 6% of the total surface area. |
Regulatory Statute for the Promotion and Advertising of Processed Food Products of 18 February 2011 All advertising of alcohol beverages must include the health warning “Warning. Excessive consumption limits your capacity to drive and operate machinery, and can cause harm to your health and family. Ministry of Health of Ecuador. Sale prohibited to minors below 18.” |
[none found] |
| Egypt | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| El Salvador | Decree no. 587 Law Regulating the Production and Sale of Alcohol and Alcohol Beverages Warnings must be legible, using distinguishable colors and occupy 10% of the total surface area. “Warning: The excessive consumption of alcohol limits your capacity to operate machinery and can cause harm to your health and family” “The sale of this product is prohibited for those younger than 18 years old” |
[none found] | [none found] |
| Equatorial Guinea | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Eritrea | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Estonia | [none found] | Advertising Act (2020 version, Estonian), Article 28 Required to include the warning ''Attention! This is an alcoholic beverage. Alcohol may cause damage to health." and make this warning noticeable, understandable, and clearly identifiable from other information. In print advertisements, the warning must be displayed on a white background in black text and take up at least 20% of the total ad space. In broadcast advertising, the text of the warning must be read at the same rate as other information; on television, the text of the warning must also be displayed horizontally at the end of the advertisement. |
[none found] |
| Eswatini | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Ethiopia | Food and Medicine Administration Proclamation 1112/2019 Labels of alcohol beverages of greater than or equal to 0.5%ABV "prepared at a factory level and provided for public use" mus tinclude "a warning that alcohol consumption may cause health problems and women should not drink alcoholic drinks during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defect". |
Food and Medicine Administration Proclamation 1112/2019 Advertising of alcohol beverages of greater than or equal to 0.5%ABV "shall contain a warning, as appropriate in writing or sound, that it is illegal to sell it to a person under the age of 21." |
[none found] |
| Fiji | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Finland | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| France | Order of 2 October 2006 on implementation of Law 2005-102 Public Health Code Article L. 3322-2 Labels of beverages of above 1.2%ABV must include either the text “Consumption of alcohol beverages during pregnancy, even in small amounts, can have serious consequences for the child’s health.” or a pictogram to that effect.  The health warning must appear in the same visual field as the obligatory alcohol content indication. |
Health Code Part III Title II Chapter III Advertisements of alcohol beverages must include a warning that alcohol abuse is harmful to health. Co-regulatory Commitment charter on responsible retailing of alocohol (2019) by the Interministerial Mission for Combating Drugs and Addictive Behaviors (MILDECA), Federation of Commerce and Distribition (FCD) and Les Mousquetaires Must include a logo saying "Under 18, don't buy" |
[none found] |
| Gabon | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Gambia | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Georgia | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Germany | Youth Protection Act Labels of sweetened alcohol beverages (alcopops) of between 1.2%ABV and 10%ABV must display the following warning in the same typeface, size, and color as the brand or trade name or, where there is neither, as the product designation: "Sale is prohibited to persons under 18 under § 9 of the Youth Protection Act" |
[none found] | [none found] |
| Ghana | [none found] | Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Guidelines for Advertisement of Prepackaged Foods (2016) All television, social media, and point of sale advertising must carry these health warnings, in text or expressed by conventional symbols at the bottom of the advertisement in font not less than 30% of the biggest font size: a) ‘Drink Responsibly’ b) ‘Not for sale to persons under 18 years of age’ and c) ‘Not recommended for pregnant women’. |
Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Guidelines for Advertisement of Prepackaged Foods (2016) Licensed retailers must display these health warnings, in text or expressed by conventional symbols in font not less than 30% of the biggest font size: a) ‘Drink Responsibly’ b) ‘Not for sale to persons under 18 years of age’ and c) ‘Not recommended for pregnant women’ |
| Greece | [none found] | Communication Control Council (CCC), Greek Code of Advertising Annex: Advertising of alcoholic beverages (2012) Any commercial communication must include the message 'Enjoy responsibly' |
[none found] |
| Grenada | West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA) Labeling guide (2020) Labels must include 3 recommended logos grouped together, each of minimum diameter 10mm (containers >1L), 8mm (containers 500mL-1L), or 5mm (containers 50mL-500mL), containers of below 50mL are exempt; and a standardized message such as ‘Drink responsibly’; ‘Drink in moderation’; ‘Drink sensibly’; ‘Know your limits’; or direct consumers to a relevant alcohol-health website e.g. “for further health information visit www.responsibledrinking.org” |
West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA), Code of Practice for Responsible Advertising & Marketing of Spirit Drinks (2019) A responsible drinking message should be carried on all advertising: traditional and digital, including brand websites, and print point of sale materials. The content and size of the message is to be determined by the individual company. |
[none found] |
| Guatemala | Decree No. 50-2000 (Reforms to the Health Code, Decree No. 90-97 of The Congress of the Republic) Labels of all alcohol beverages with of 0.5%ABV or higher must include the message: "Excessive consumption of this product is harmful to consumer health". |
Accord No. 127-2002 (Rules on Advertising and the Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages, Wines, Beers and Fermented Beverages) and Accord No. 49-2003 Advertisers shall include at the beginning of the advertisement the message “The excessive consumption of this product is harmful to the health of the consumer” and at the end “The consumption of this product causes serious harm to your health”. |
[none found] |
| Guinea-Bisseau | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Guyana | West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA) Labeling guide (2020) Labels must include 3 recommended logos grouped together, each of minimum diameter 10mm (containers >1L), 8mm (containers 500mL-1L), or 5mm (containers 50mL-500mL), containers of below 50mL are exempt; and a standardized message such as ‘Drink responsibly’; ‘Drink in moderation’; ‘Drink sensibly’; ‘Know your limits’; or direct consumers to a relevant alcohol-health website e.g. “for further health information visit www.responsibledrinking.org” |
West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA), Code of Practice for Responsible Advertising & Marketing of Spirit Drinks (2019) A responsible drinking message should be carried on all advertising: traditional and digital, including brand websites, and print point of sale materials. The content and size of the message is to be determined by the individual company. |
[none found] |
| Haiti | West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA) Labeling guide (2020) Labels must include 3 recommended logos grouped together, each of minimum diameter 10mm (containers >1L), 8mm (containers 500mL-1L), or 5mm (containers 50mL-500mL), containers of below 50mL are exempt; and a standardized message such as ‘Drink responsibly’; ‘Drink in moderation’; ‘Drink sensibly’; ‘Know your limits’; or direct consumers to a relevant alcohol-health website e.g. “for further health information visit www.responsibledrinking.org” |
West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA), Code of Practice for Responsible Advertising & Marketing of Spirit Drinks (2019) A responsible drinking message should be carried on all advertising: traditional and digital, including brand websites, and print point of sale materials. The content and size of the message is to be determined by the individual company. |
[none found] |
| Honduras | Honduran Institute for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction (IHADFA), Accord 03-95 Special Regulation on Alcohol Advertising, Tobacco Products and Other Drugs Labels of all alcohol beverages must include "Warning: Abuse of the beverage harms your health. IHADFA" |
[none found] | [none found] |
| Hungary | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Iceland | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| India | The sale of alcohol beverages is prohibited in Bihar, Gujarat, Manipur, Nagaland, and Lakshadweep. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations 2018 Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages First Amendment) Regulations 2020 Labels of all beverages of greater than 0.5%ABV shall include the following warning in not less than 3mm size for packs of above 200mL and 1.5mm for packs of up to 200mL: “Consumption of alcohol is injurious to health. Be safe – don’t drink and drive”. The warning must be in English or in the official state or regional language. Labels of wines must include a non-vegetarian logo if processing aids of animal origin were used.  |
[varies by jurisdiction] Marketing communications are not permitted on several media. The sale of alcohol beverages is prohibited in Bihar, Gujarat, Manipur, Nagaland, and Lakshadweep. |
[varies by jurisdiction] The sale of alcohol beverages is prohibited in Bihar, Gujarat, Manipur, Nagaland, and Lakshadweep. |
| Indonesia | Sale is no permitted in the provinces of Aceh and Papua. Ministry of Trade Regulation 15/M-DAG/Per/3/2006 Labels of alcohol beverages must state "Alcohol beverage" and bear the warning "Those under age 21 and pregnant women should not drink" in Indonesian. |
Not applicable. Advertisements are not permitted. Sale is no permitted in the provinces of Aceh and Papua. |
Sale is no permitted in the provinces of Aceh and Papua. [none found] |
| Iran, Islamic Republic of | Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
| Iraq | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Ireland | Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 Public Health (Alcohol) (Labelling) Regulations 2023 Labels must include, as part of the manufacturer's label, embossed, impressed, or a sticker to the container that remains intact when it is opened, the following warnings and health information. The combined area of this information to be not less than 60mm x 30mm and surrounded by a black border of 1-2mm; for containers with less than 80 square cm total surface area, the combined area can be 75% of what is specified and may be attached as an adhesive flag. - “Drinking alcohol causes liver disease." minimum size 45mm x 10mm, printed in Times New Roman bold upper-case type in red color on a white background; - “There is a direct link between alcohol and fatal cancers” minimum size 45mm x 15mm, printed in black Times New Roman bold lower-case type on a white background; - Pictogram against drinking during pregnancy, minimum size 15mm x 15mm printed in black ink on a white background with a red line across; - “Visit www.askaboutalcohol.ie” printed in Times New Roman bold lower-case type in black color on a white background.  |
Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 Public Health (Alcohol) (Labelling) Regulations 2023 Licensees must display a notice of at least A4 size at each public entrance to the premises printed in Times New Roman bold upper-case type of at least font size 18 be in red font in upper-case type, with the following warnings and information: - Drinking alcohol causes liver disease Drinking alcohol when pregnant harms your baby - There is a direct link between alcohol and fatal cancers - Visit www.askaboutalcohol.ie - A document with the quantity of alcohol in grams and the energy value in kilojoules and kilocalories for every quantity, measure or unit sold is available for inspection on request Websites that display alcohol products for sale must display easily legible warnings - Drinking alcohol causes liver disease - Drinking alcohol when pregnant harms your baby - There is a direct link between alcohol and fatal cancers - Visit www.askaboutalcohol.ie |
Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 The Minister of Health is empowered to prescribe the content of warnings on the danger of alcohol consumption, the danger of alcohol consumption when pregnant, the direct link between alcohol and fatal cancers, and details of a government website providing public health information in relation to alcohol consumption. |
| Israel | Regulations limiting the advertising and marketing of alcohol beverages (Health Warning) 30 July 2013 Labels of beverages of up to 15.5%ABV must include “Warning: Contains alcohol - it is recommended to refrain from excessive consumption”. Labels of beverages of 15.5%ABV and higher must include “Warning: Excessive consumption of alcohol is life threatening and is detrimental to health!” |
Regulations limiting the advertising and marketing of alcohol beverages (Health Warning) 30 July 2013 Advertisements of beverages of up to 15.5%ABV must include “Warning: Contains alcohol - it is recommended to refrain from excessive consumption”. Advertisements of beverages of 15.5%ABV and higher must include “Warning: Excessive consumption of alcohol is life threatening and is detrimental to health!” |
[none found] |
| Italy | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Jamaica | West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA) Labeling guide (2020) Labels must include 3 recommended logos grouped together, each of minimum diameter 10mm (containers >1L), 8mm (containers 500mL-1L), or 5mm (containers 50mL-500mL), containers of below 50mL are exempt; and a standardized message such as ‘Drink responsibly’; ‘Drink in moderation’; ‘Drink sensibly’; ‘Know your limits’; or direct consumers to a relevant alcohol-health website e.g. “for further health information visit www.responsibledrinking.org” |
West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA), Code of Practice for Responsible Advertising & Marketing of Spirit Drinks (2019) A responsible drinking message should be carried on all advertising: traditional and digital, including brand websites, and print point of sale materials. The content and size of the message is to be determined by the individual company. |
[none found] |
| Japan | National Tax Agency Notification No. 9 of November 22, 1989 Labeling standard about prevention of drinking by persons under 20 years old, Law No. 7 of 1958 Concerning Liquor Tax Conservation and Alcohol Beverage Unions, Art 86-6 Labels of alcohol beverages, unless the container is 50 mL or less in volume, must include the warning "The drinking of alcohol by persons under the age of 20 is prohibited by law" in 6 point font (5.5 point font for containers of less than 360 mL volume). Self-Regulatory Code of Advertisement Practices and Container Labeling for Alcohol Beverages (2016) Displayed in an easy-to-read location on the container, using uniform Japanese font, at least 6 pts in size: “Be careful not to drink in excess” “Drink in moderation” “Drinking alcohol during pregnancy or nursing may adversely affect the development of your fetus or child” |
Self-Regulatory Code of Advertisement Practices and Container Labeling for Alcohol Beverages (2016) In television and radio, it is required to include the warning message for underage drinking ban at the end of every commercial message. In television, in case it is placed midway of the commercial timeframe, due attention should be paid to ensure that the warning message is clearly visible. The warning message may be omitted from advertisements that do not exceed several seconds. |
National Tax Agency Notification No. 9 of November 22, 1989 Labeling standard about prevention of drinking by persons under 20 years old Retailers must display the following message: "If you cannot confirm that you are over 20 years old, you will not be sold alcohol". Vending machines must display the message "Drinking by persons under the age of 20 is prohibited by law". |
| Jordan | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Kazakhstan | Eurasian Economic Union Technical Regulation TR-EAEU 047/2018 "On the safety of alcohol beverages" planned to come into force 1 January 2027 (check status): Beverages of 0.5% ABV or higher must bear a warning message "Excessive consumption of alcohol is harmful to your health” in capital letters in a easily readable font size in contrasting color and takes up at least 10% of the label, and include the message: “Alcohol use is not recommended for persons under the age of 18, pregnant and lactating women, as well as persons with diseases of the nervous system and internal organs.” | Not applicable Law on Advertising 2003 Article 13 prohibits all advertising of alcohol beverages. |
[none found] |
| Kenya | Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2010, Art 32 Labels of all beverages of 0.5%ABV or higher must include at least two of these health warning messages, on no less than 30% of the total surface area of the package, in English or Kiswahili, and on a rotating basis: "Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health"; "Excessive alcohol consumption can cause liver cirrhosis"; "Excessive alcohol consumption impairs your judgment"; "Do not drive or operate machinery"; "Not for sale to persons under the age of 18 years". |
[none found] | Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2010, Art 29 Licensed premises must post, on a surface measuring not less than 12 inches by 8 inches in size, a notice to the public in English or Kiswahili that sale or supply to persons under the age of 18 is prohibited that includes the word WARNING and is enclosed by a rectangular border. |
| Kiribati | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Korea, Democratic Republic of | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Korea, Republic of | National Health Promotion Act Enforcement Decree of the National Health Promotion Act Ministry of Health and Welfare Notice No. 2016-488 Administrative Notice of Proposed Partial Amendment to Notification on Phrase of Warning against Smoking and Excessive Drinking, etc. Labels of beverages of 1%ABV or higher must include one of three warnings: Drinking during pregnancy increases the risk for congenital anomaly. Alcohol is [a] carcinogen, so excessive drinking causes liver cancer, gastric adenocarcinoma and so on. Drinking during pregnancy, underage drinking, and excessive drinking cause congenital anomaly, brain development disruptions and cancer, respectively. Drinking during pregnancy increase[s] the risk for congenital anomaly, Excessive drinking cause[s] stroke, memory loss and dementia. |
Advertisements for beverages of 1%ABV or higher must include warnings stipulated for labels. | [none found] |
| Kuwait | Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
| Kyrgyzstan | Eurasian Economic Union Technical Regulation TR-EAEU 047/2018 "On the safety of alcohol beverages" planned to come into force 1 January 2027 (check status): Beverages of 0.5% ABV or higher must bear a warning message "Excessive consumption of alcohol is harmful to your health” in capital letters in a easily readable font size in contrasting color and takes up at least 10% of the label, and include the message: “Alcohol use is not recommended for persons under the age of 18, pregnant and lactating women, as well as persons with diseases of the nervous system and internal organs.” | Law No 155 of 1998 On Advertising Article 16 Must include health warnings on the harm of consuming alcohol beverages and the prohibition to sell alcohol beverages to minors, in the same font size and occupying no less than 10% of the advertisement's total size. |
[none found] |
| Lao, People's Republic of | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Latvia | [none found] | Handling of alcohol beverages law All advertisements must include information on the negative effects of alcohol consumption and on the prohibition to sell to minors, occupying at least 10% of the advertisement, at the bottom of the advertisement with black letters on a white background. |
[none found] |
| Lebanon | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Lesotho | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Liberia | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Libya | Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
| Liechtenstein | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Lithuania | Alcohol Control Law Article 9 Labels of distilled beverages of 1.2%ABV or higher and fermented beverages of 0.5% or higher are required to include a pictogram warning of the potential effects of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.  |
Alcohol Control Law Article 29(5) Permitted outdoor advertising must be accompanied by a warning on the harmful effects of alcohol on health as determined by the Ministry of Health. |
[none found] |
| Luxembourg | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Madagascar | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Malawi | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Malaysia | Food Regulations 1983 and Food (Amendment) Regulations (2016) Labels of beverages of 2%ABV or higher must include, in a non-serif font of not less than 12 pt size, the words "Drinking alcohol may be harmful to health" |
Not applicable. Communications and Multimedia Content Forum (CMCF), Communications and Multimedia Content Code (2020) The Code is under revision in 2021, with a proposed change to allow alcohol beverage advertisements with applicable content restrictions. |
Food Regulations 1983 and Food (Amendment) Regulations (2016) Persons selling alcohol bevrages must place [1983 Food Regulations, 361 as amended in 2016]: a notice in capital letters in bold black letters of a non-serif character [that] contains the words "Drinking alcohol may be harmful to health" a conspicuous sign of the prohibition of the sale of alcohol beverages to any person under the age of twenty-one years |
| Maldives | Not applicable. Sale is only permitted to foreigners in resorts. |
Not applicable. Sale is only permitted to foreigners in resorts. |
Not applicable. Sale is only permitted to foreigners in resorts. |
| Mali | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Malta | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Marshall Islands | [none found] | [none found] | Alcoholic Beverage Control Act 1971 Section 111 "Every bar shall post and display a sign which shall state, in letters not less than two inches high, in English and Marshallese, “No Person Under 18 Years of Age Allowed”. " |
| Mauritania | Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
| Mauritius | Government notice No.1 of 2009 Public Health (Prohibition on Advertisement, Sponsorship and Restriction on Sale and Consumption in Public Places, of Alcoholic Drinks) Regulations 2008 All alcohol beverages shall bear a label both in English and French indicating that an excessive consumption of alcohol drinks causes serious health, social and domestic problems. |
Not applicable. Advertisements are not permitted. |
Government notice No.1 of 2009 Public Health (Prohibition on Advertisement, Sponsorship and Restriction on Sale and Consumption in Public Places, of Alcoholic Drinks) Regulations 2008 Every seller of alcohol beverages shall conspicuously post inside the point of sale a prominent message in English, French or Creole informing the public – (a) that the sale of alcohol beverages is prohibited to minors; (b) that an excessive consumption of alcohol beverages causes serious health, social and domestic problems. |
| Mexico | Mexican Official Standard NOM-142-SSA1 / SCFI-2014 Alcohol beverages, Sanitary specifications, Sanitary and commercial labeling, 9.7.2 Regulation on Sanitary Control of Products and Services, Appendix Labels of alcohol beverages of 2.0% to 55%ABV must include "The abuse of the consumption of this product is harmful to health." The warning must be in uppercase and in a contrasting color. The required size of lettering varies by beverage ABV. Labels of alcohol beverages of higher than 6.0%ABV: Of three pictogram warnings (against consumption by minors aged under 18 and by pregnant women and against driving under the influence of alcohol),    either all three must be included simultaneously, or a single one may be included in which case the pictogram chosen must be changed on a rotating principle every four months. Labels of alcohol beverages with of 2.0-6.0%ABV must display a modified pictogram warning against consumption by minors aged under 18. Labels of alcohol beverages of below 2.0%ABV must include “This product contains % of alcohol. Not recommended for children.” Labels may voluntarily include the statement "For more information visit the page: www.conadic.salud.gob.mx, where there is information on the harmful use of alcohol". |
General Health Law Art 218, 308 Required to include the warning “Abusive consumption of this product is harmful to health”, unless the Health Secretariat waives this requirement provided that moderation is promoted and the harms to health resulting from abusive consumption of alcohol beverages are made known. |
[none found] |
| Micronesia, Federated States of | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Moldova, Republic of | Law 1100 of 30.06.2000 On the manufacture and turnover of ethyl alcohol and alcohol beverages Labels of beverages of 1.5%ABV or higher must include an 18+ pictogram and a pictogram recommending abstinence during pregnancy.  |
[none found] | [none found] |
| Monaco | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Mongolia | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Montenegro | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Morocco | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Mozambique | Decree No 54/2013 Regulation on the control of the production, marketing and consumption of alcohol beverages Labels of all alcohol beverages must contain the following phrase in upper case, easily readable letters: "Sale to and consumption by persons under 18 years of age is prohibited." |
[none found] | Decree No 54/2013 Regulation on the control of the production, marketing and consumption of alcohol beverages Licensed premises must display in a visible place the following message in upper case, easily readable letters: "Sale to and consumption by persons under 18 years of age is prohibited." |
| Myanmar | Ministry of Health, Myanmar Food and Drug Board of Authority, Directive No. 8/2022 for labeling of prepackaged foods Art 14.e “Warning- When it is targeted to a specific age group, or produced in accordance to specific requirement for specific health condition, or when it is not suitable for specific health condition, or when there is a specific limit to consumption amount or timeframe, or other similar situation, full warnings should be declared clearly.” Art 18. Symbols or pictures may be used. |
[none found] | [none found] |
| Namibia | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Nauru | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Nepal | [none found] | Not applicable. Advertising is not permitted. |
[none found] |
| Netherlands | Labels are recommended to include a warning against drinking during pregnancy. [co-regulation, archiving pending] | Advertising Code Committee (RCC), Advertising Code for Alcoholic Beverages (RvA) 2014 Must include the warning "No 18, no alcohol", which can be accompanied with 'Always drink in moderation” or "Brewed with pride for you" [RVA 2014] |
[none found] |
| New Zealand | Food Standards in Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), Alcohol beverage labeling (2023) Beverages of of greater than 1.15%ABV must include a pictogram and text "PREGNANCY WARNING: Alcohol can cause lifelong harm to your baby" |
[none found] | [none found] |
| Nicaragua | Official Gazette No.163 of 28 August 2014 transposing Central American Technical Regulation RTCA 67.01.05:11 Alcoholic Beverages Labeling Requirements Labels of all beverages of higher than 0.5%ABV must include a cautionary panel with the message "excessive consumption of alcohol beverages is harmful to health" or similar. |
Decree 2187 of 1999 Regulation of Law 182 on Consumer Protection, Article 31 Any advertisement of alcohol beverages must include a warning as to the dangers of their use such as “consumption of alcohol beverages is harmful to health”. [Decree 2187 of 1999 Art 31] |
[none found] |
| Niger | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Nigeria | Spirits Regulations 2019 Wine Regulations 2019 Labels of wines and spirits must include the age restriction of 18+ |
[none found] |
[none found] |
| North Macedonia | [none found] | [none found] | Law on Trade 2005, Article 24 The retailer must display in a visible place on the retail premises a poster of size 20x50cm that states "Sale of alcohol beverages and cigarettes to persons under 18 years of age and energy beverages to persons under 14 years of age is prohibited". |
| Norway | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Oman | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Pakistan | Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
| Palau | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Panama | [none found] | Decree No. 299 of 1992 Regulations of advertising and marketing of alcohol beverages, cigarettes and tobacco Art 6 & 10 Printed and radio advertising of all alcohol beverages, and any advertising of beverages of 6%ABV or higher, must be accompanied by one of the following warning messages [Decree No. 299 of 1992]: Driving under the effects of alcohol increases the risk of accidents; Do not drink and drive; Alcohol can cause damage to the brain, liver, stomach and unborn child; Alcohol can lead to states of violence and family disintegration; Any other message approved by the Ministry of Health. |
[none found] |
| Papua New Guinea | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Paraguay | [none found] | Law No. 1.333/98 for the Advertising and Promotion of Tobacco and Alcohol Beverages Advertising of beverages of 4%ABV of higher must be accompanied by the health warning “Its excessive consumption harms health. Its sale is prohibited to minors below 18. Warning by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare.” |
[none found] |
| Peru | Law 28681 Regulating the Marketing, Consumption and Advertising of Alcohol Beverages 2006 Labels of all fermented and distilled beverages must contain, on an area no smaller than 10% of the packaging, in easily readable capital letters, the phrase “Excessive drinking of alcohol beverages is harmful.” |
Law 28681 Regulating the Marketing, Consumption and Advertising of Alcohol Beverages 2006 and its regulations Advertising of alcohol beverages must include the health warning "Excessive consumption of alcohol is harmful". |
[none found] |
| Phillipines | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Poland | [none found] | Act on the Upbringing in Sobriety and Counteracting Alcoholism 1982 Art 13.5 Alcohol advertisements on movable poles, boards, and or surfaces are not permitted unless 20% of the area the ads will occupy visible and legible inscriptions informing about the harmfulness alcohol consumption or that sale of alcohol is prohibited to minors. |
[none found] |
| Portugal | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Qatar | Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
| Romania | [none found] | Decision No. 220 of 2011 Audiovisual Content Regulatory Code Broadcast advertisements for alcohol beverages must include the warning: "Excessive alcohol consumption seriously damages health" [Audiovisual Regulatory Code Art. 116] |
[none found] |
| Russian Federation | Ministry of Health Decree No. 49 of 19 January 2007 Labels of wine and spirits, including vodka, must contain the message “Alcohol is not for children and teenagers up to age 18, pregnant and nursing women, or for persons with diseases of the central nervous system, kidneys, liver, and other digestive organs.” Eurasian Economic Union Technical Regulation TR-EAEU 047/2018 "On the safety of alcohol beverages" planned to come into force 1 January 2027 (check status): Beverages of 0.5% ABV or higher must bear a warning message "Excessive consumption of alcohol is harmful to your health” in capital letters in a easily readable font size in contrasting color and takes up at least 10% of the label, and include the message: “Alcohol use is not recommended for persons under the age of 18, pregnant and lactating women, as well as persons with diseases of the nervous system and internal organs.” |
Federal Law No. 38-FZ Article 21 Advertisements of alcohol products "shall be accompanied by a warning of the harm of its excessive consumption, each such warning being given at least ten per cent of the advertising area (space)." |
[none found] |
| Rwanda | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA) Labeling guide (2020) Labels must include 3 recommended logos grouped together, each of minimum diameter 10mm (containers >1L), 8mm (containers 500mL-1L), or 5mm (containers 50mL-500mL), containers of below 50mL are exempt; and a standardized message such as ‘Drink responsibly’; ‘Drink in moderation’; ‘Drink sensibly’; ‘Know your limits’; or direct consumers to a relevant alcohol-health website e.g. “for further health information visit www.responsibledrinking.org” |
West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA), Code of Practice for Responsible Advertising & Marketing of Spirit Drinks (2019) A responsible drinking message should be carried on all advertising: traditional and digital, including brand websites, and print point of sale materials. The content and size of the message is to be determined by the individual company. |
[none found] |
| Saint Lucia | West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA) Labeling guide (2020) Labels must include 3 recommended logos grouped together, each of minimum diameter 10mm (containers >1L), 8mm (containers 500mL-1L), or 5mm (containers 50mL-500mL), containers of below 50mL are exempt; and a standardized message such as ‘Drink responsibly’; ‘Drink in moderation’; ‘Drink sensibly’; ‘Know your limits’; or direct consumers to a relevant alcohol-health website e.g. “for further health information visit www.responsibledrinking.org” |
West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA), Code of Practice for Responsible Advertising & Marketing of Spirit Drinks (2019) A responsible drinking message should be carried on all advertising: traditional and digital, including brand websites, and print point of sale materials. The content and size of the message is to be determined by the individual company. |
[none found] |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA) Labeling guide (2020) Labels must include 3 recommended logos grouped together, each of minimum diameter 10mm (containers >1L), 8mm (containers 500mL-1L), or 5mm (containers 50mL-500mL), containers of below 50mL are exempt; and a standardized message such as ‘Drink responsibly’; ‘Drink in moderation’; ‘Drink sensibly’; ‘Know your limits’; or direct consumers to a relevant alcohol-health website e.g. “for further health information visit www.responsibledrinking.org” |
West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA), Code of Practice for Responsible Advertising & Marketing of Spirit Drinks (2019) A responsible drinking message should be carried on all advertising: traditional and digital, including brand websites, and print point of sale materials. The content and size of the message is to be determined by the individual company. |
[none found] |
| Samoa | Alcohol Control Act (2020) Art 51 (1d) Labels of beverages of 1.15%ABV or above must include "a health message to the effect that ‘alcohol abuse is dangerous for health’ ". |
[none found] | [none found] |
| San Marino | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Sao Tome and Principe | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Saudi Arabia | Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
| Senegal | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Serbia | [none found] | Law on Advertising Article 49 Advertisements must include a warning message referring to the ban on the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages to children or minors and a warning about the responsible use of alcoholic beverages. The warnings may be made via pictograms that the Minister of Trade is empowered to prescribe. |
[none found] |
| Seychelles | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Sierra Leone | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Singapore | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Slovakia | [none found] | [none found] | Law 219-1996 §3 Licensees must display a prominent notice to "in a place where they cannot be overlooked by the public" to "draw the public's attention to prohibitions" to sell alcohol beverages to persons under 18 years of age which includes a citation of the law. |
| Slovenia | Act Restricting the Use of Alcohol Art 6 Labels of foodstuff containing alcohol (not alcohol beverages) must include a warning that they are not suitable for children, printed in capital letters that are clearly visible, readable and are a distinctly different color from the background. |
Act Regulating the Sanitary Suitability of Foodstuff, Products and Materials Coming into Contact with Foodstuffs (ZZUZIS) Art 15 Advertisements (only permitted for beverages of 15%ABV or lower) must include the warning: "The Minister of Health warns: Consumption of alcohol may be harmful to your health!" Or "Minister of Health warns: excessive drinking of alcohol harms your health!". |
Act Restricting the Use of Alcohol Art 11 The ban on the sale of alcohol beverages and the time limit for the sale of alcohol beverages must be published in a visible place in all premises where alcohol beverages are sold. |
| Solomon Islands | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Somalia | Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
| South Africa | Regulations Relating to Health Messages on Container Labels of Alcoholic Beverages, 24 August 2007 for the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 1972 (1) Container labels for alcohol beverages must contain at least one of the [seven] health messages, which must be in black on a white background, visible, legible, and indelible and must be at least one eight of the total size of the container label: “Alcohol abuse is dangerous to your health” “Alcohol is addictive” “Alcohol increases your risk to personal injuries” “Alcohol is a major cause of violence and crime” “Drinking during pregnancy can be harmful to your unborn baby” “Don’t drink and walk on the road, you may be killed” “Alcohol reduces driving ability, don’t drink and drive” |
Association for Alcohol Responsibility and Education (aware.org), Code of commercial communications 2020 Marketing communications must include “Not For Persons Under The Age Of 18”. [AWARE Code fo Commercial Communications 2020] |
[none found] |
| South Sudan | [verification pending] | [verification pending] | [none found] |
| Spain | Brewers of Spain, Code of Self-regulation of Advertising (2009) Labels of beer beverages must include a distinctive "+18" symbol  |
The Association for the Self-Regulation of Commercial Communications (AUTOCONTROL) applies these codes: Brewers of Spain, Code of Self-regulation of Advertising (2009) Beer advertisements on television, in newspapers, magazines and on billboards must include the message that moderation is a basic premise of responsible drinking, phrased as: "(Given brand) recommends responsible drinking", in legible font and horizontal orientation. Interprofessional Wine Organization of Spain (OIVE), Code of commercial communications on wine (2021) Wine advertisements must include the message "Wine is only enjoyed in moderation", trademarked Wine in Moderation logo below, and where possible also the targeted warnings.   Spanish Federation of Spirits Beverages (FEBE), Code of Self-regulation of Advertising (2013) Spirit beverage advertisements must include a responsible consumption the message that moderation is a basic premise of responsible drinking approved by the FEBE General Assembly, for example: "Drink in moderation. That's your responsibility", placed prominently (specific requirements for minimum size apply). |
[none found] |
| Sri Lanka | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Sudan | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Suriname | West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA) Labeling guide (2020) Labels must include 3 recommended logos grouped together, each of minimum diameter 10mm (containers >1L), 8mm (containers 500mL-1L), or 5mm (containers 50mL-500mL), containers of below 50mL are exempt; and a standardized message such as ‘Drink responsibly’; ‘Drink in moderation’; ‘Drink sensibly’; ‘Know your limits’; or direct consumers to a relevant alcohol-health website e.g. “for further health information visit www.responsibledrinking.org” |
West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA), Code of Practice for Responsible Advertising & Marketing of Spirit Drinks (2019) A responsible drinking message should be carried on all advertising: traditional and digital, including brand websites, and print point of sale materials. The content and size of the message is to be determined by the individual company. |
[none found] |
| Sweden | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Switzerland | [none found] | [none found] | Federal Office of Customs and Border Security, Prevention and Youth Protection (2022) Licensed premises must display a poster that indicates the legal purcahse age limits for alcohol beverages. |
| Syrian Arab Republic | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Tajikistan | [none found] | Not applicable. Advertisements are not permitted. |
[none found] |
| Tanzania, United Republic of | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Thailand | Alcohol Beverage Control Act B.E. 2551 (2008) Warning pictures and messages for disadvantages or dangers of alcohol beverages shall be made in pictures with 4 colors …, provided that each form shall be used for 1,000 containers, of size no less than 50% for square and 40% for cylindrical containers of the total container: “Liquor drinking may cause cirrhosis and sexual impotency” “Liquor drinking may cause less consciousness and death” “Liquor drinking is dangerous to health and causes less consciousness” “Liquor drinking is harmful to you and destroys your family” “Drunk driving may cause disability or death” |
[none found] | [none found] |
| Timor-Leste | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Togo | Law 2009-007 Health Code Art 91 Packaging of alcohol beverages must bear the warning "seriously damages health" and the ABV of the beverage. |
High Authority on Audiovisual Media and Communications (HAAC), Decision 0003/HAAC/08/P of 14 April 2008 Article 12 prohibits beverages of greater than 8%ABV to be advertised on radio, television, or other media. Law 2009-007 Health Code, Articles 90 and 91 Advertising of alcohol beverages must bear the warning "seriously damages health" and the ABV of the beverage. |
[none found] |
| Tonga | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Trinidad and Tobago | West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA) members announced inclusion of pictogram warnings on legal purchase age and avoiding drinking during pregnancy or if driving in 2019 with a two-year implementation window | West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA), Code of Practice for Responsible Advertising & Marketing of Spirit Drinks (2019) A responsible drinking message should be carried on all advertising: traditional and digital, including brand websites, and print point of sale materials. The content and size of the message is to be determined by the individual company. |
Liquor Licenses Act Chapter 84:10 (1955), Article 60 Licensed premises must display a sign "written in large, bold, legible, upper case characters, that reads as follows: The sale of intoxicating liquor to individuals under the age of eighteen years is prohibited" |
| Tunisia | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Turkey | Tobacco and Alcohol Regulatory Authority, Communique on warning messages to be affixed on the packaging of alcoholic beverages per Law No. 6487 of 11/06/2013 Labels of all alcohol beverages must include the text "Alcohol is not your friend." and three pictograms: against drinking by minors aged below 18, against drinking by pregnant women, and against driving under the influence of alcohol.    |
Not applicable. Advertisements are not permitted. |
Communique on warnings regarding the sale and supply of alcohol beverages to those under 18 years old (Official Gazette No.27900 09 April 2011) Licensed premises must display a poster of at least A4 size, that states on a white background framed by a red-colored oval: in the upper twenty-five percent of the printed area the symbol "No sale under age of eighteen", which consists of a graphic consisting of the phrase "18" in black and the phrase "UNDER AGE" written in capital letters under this phrase, enclosed in a red circle with a diagonal red bar in the middle from left to right,followed by the phrase “LEGAL DISCLAIMER: It is forbidden to sell or serve alcoholic beverages to people under 18; those acting otherwise shall be subject to legal actions." |
| Turkmenistan | Law on prevention of alcohol-related harm Art 15 Labels of alcohol beverages (including low-alcohol and beer-based beverages) must bear the following warnings in contrasting color occupying no less than 20% of the label in black capital letters on a white background in bold, clear, easy to read font: “Alcohol products are harmful to your health!” “Alcohol products are not recommended for persons below twenty one years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or persons with diseases of the nervous system, liver, kidneys, or other digestive organs.” If all the required content cannot fit onto the label, some of it can be provided in a leaflet attached to each consumer unit. |
Not applicable. Advertisements are not permitted. |
[none found] |
| Tuvalu | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Uganda | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Ukraine | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| United Arab Emirates | [none found] | Not applicable. Advertisements are not permitted. |
[none found] |
| United Kingdom | The Department of Health Guidance: Communicating the UK Chief Medical Officers' low risk drinking guidelines 2017 recommends the following messages: -The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend adults do not regularly drink more than 14 units per week. -Drinkaware.co.uk -It is safest not to drink alcohol when pregnant, or symbol to that effect See also The Portman Group Alcohol Labelling Guidelines 2022: minimum recommended label contents: Unit alcohol content per container (and optional per typical serve), pregnancy logo/message, bedrinkaware.co.uk, Chief Medical Officers’ Low Risk Drinking Guidelines 2016  British Retail Consortium (BRC) initiative on labeling (2017)  |
[none found] | [none found] |
| United States | Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Part 16 – Alcoholic Beverage Health Warning Statement, § 16.21 Mandatory Label Information The health warning statement must appear on the brand label or separate front label, or on a back or side label, separate and apart from all other information. It must be readily legible under ordinary conditions, and must appear on a contrasting background. Labels bearing the warning must be firmly affixed to the container. Minimum type size is specified for containers of various sizes. “GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems” |
[none found] | [varies by jurisdiction] |
| Uruguay | [none found] | National Council of Advertising Self-regulation (CONARP), Code of Advertising Ethics (2013) Advertisements must include a responsible consumption message such as “Drink in moderation”. |
[none found] |
| Uzbekistan | Law on limiting the distribution and use of alcohol and tobacco products 24 May 2023 Art 31 Ministry of Health Regulation No. 311 of 17 November 2011 Standards Bureau Order 408-3 of 2016 Labels of beverages of greater than 1.5%ABV must include a medical warning occupying not less than forty per cent of the main area of the label in the form of text or pictogram. "Abuse of alcohol beverages leads to severe diseases of the nervous system and internal organs.” The content of the warning shall be reviewed every five years. |
Not applicable. Advertisements are not permitted. Law on limiting the distribution and use of alcohol and tobacco products 24 May 2023 Art 27 requires broadcasts of media that depict alcohol consumption to be preceded by health warnings about associated harms. |
Law on limiting the distribution and use of alcohol and tobacco products 24 May 2023 Art 22 In places where alcohol beverages are sold a warning inscription or a sign prohibiting sale to persons under the age of twenty-one and a medical warning must be placed. |
| Vanuatu | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Viet Nam | [none found] | Law No.44-2019 Art 12.4 Decree 24 of 2020 Art 5.3 Advertisements of beverages of below 15%ABV must contain one of the following warnings, in writing with a color contrasting with the background color on at least 10% of the advertising space, or read with a reading speed equal to the speed of reading other contents in the same advertisement: "Persons under 18 years of age are forbidden to drink alcohol." "Drinking alcohol may affect fetus." "Drinking alcohol may cause traffic accidents." Law No. 16/2012/QH13 On Advertising Art 7 Not permitted: advertisements of alcohol beverages of 15%ABV or higher. |
[none found] |
| Yemen | Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
Not applicable. Sale is prohibited. |
| Zambia | [none found] | [none found] | [none found] |
| Zimbabwe | Statutory Instrument 25 of 2001 Food and Food Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations Labels of all alcohol beverages of 0.2%ABV or higher must bear two warnings: "Alcohol may be hazardous to health if consumed to excess, the operation of machinery or driving after the consumption of alcohol is not advisable." "Not for sale to persons under the age of 18 years." |
Statutory Instrument 25 of 2001 Food and Food Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations Advertising of alcohol beverages of 0.2%ABV or higher must bear two warnings, not less than 6% of the total space, in black sans serif font on white background: "Alcohol may be hazardous to health if consumed to excess, the operation of machinery or driving after the consumption of alcohol is not advisable", and "Not for sale to persons under the age of 18 years." |
[none found] |
© 2021 International Alliance for Responsible Drinking
IARD’s members and the members of its Partnership Council are a diverse group of organizations with a variety of viewpoints. They might not necessarily agree on all or any subjects. Any statements, findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed on this website do not reflect the policies or views of all IARD members or the organizations they represent, unless explicitly stated. However, all members agree on and support IARD’s mission of reducing the harmful use of alcohol.
The resources on this website are not intended as health advice to individuals about their drinking. People with specific questions about their drinking are encouraged to consult a healthcare professional. Together, they can determine what is best for that individual, based on individual risk factors, including family history, genetics, and lifestyle. For some people, the better choice may be to not drink at all.
