Botswana

Botswana became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on May 1, 2005.

Smoke Free Places

Designated smoking rooms are permitted in most indoor public places and indoor workplaces, and on many forms of public transport.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

Many direct forms of advertising are prohibited, including domestic TV, radio, and print media; internet; billboards; and conventional mail. However, the ban does not cover many promotional practices/activities, such as competitions associated with tobacco products, discounts, and retailer incentive programs. Sponsorship by the tobacco industry is allowed.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

The law does not set forth requirements for health warnings on tobacco packaging and labeling, nor does the law prohibit misleading packaging and labeling.

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

The law does not grant the authority to regulate the contents of cigarettes. The law does not require that manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities information on the contents and emissions of their products

Sales Restrictions

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products via vending machines or the internet. There are no restrictions on the sale of single cigarettes or small packets of cigarettes. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

E-Cigarettes

The sale of e-cigarettes is allowed. There are no restrictions on the use; advertising, promotion and sponsorship; or packaging and labeling of e-cigarettes.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

The Control of Smoking Act of July 1, 1993 is the primary law on tobacco control and covers many aspects of tobacco control, including but not limited to: restrictions on smoking in public places and advertising and sale of tobacco products. The law does not address tobacco packaging and labeling measures. 

Review Status

This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff in consultation with in-country lawyers or tobacco control experts.