Last updated: August 21, 2023
Sales Restrictions
Sale of single cigarettes/sticks
The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes except in packages containing at least 20 cigarettes. This is interpreted as prohibiting the sale of single cigarette sticks.
To align with FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit the sale of single cigarettes as this increases the affordability of cigarettes to minors.
Sale of tobacco products via vending machines
The law does not address the sale of tobacco products by vending machines. Therefore, the law is interpreted as allowing vending machines.
To align with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit vending machine sales of tobacco products as such sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.
Sale of tobacco products via the internet
The law permits cross-border internet sales but requires retailers to register with the Danish Safety Technology Authority and to operate an age verification system.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should prohibit all internet tobacco product sales as internet sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.
Sale of smokeless tobacco products
The law prohibits the marketing of tobacco ingested orally, which includes smokeless tobacco products, other than those that are inhaled or chewed. Therefore, the marketing of smokeless tobacco products is restricted.
Sale of waterpipe tobacco products
The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of waterpipe tobacco; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of waterpipe tobacco.
Location-based Sales Restrictions
Schools/educational facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in schools and educational facilities in which children under 18 are enrolled.
Playgrounds
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location (except for schools); therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds.
Stadiums/arenas
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location (except for schools); therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas.
Healthcare facilities
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location (except for schools); therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.
Cultural facilities
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location (except for schools); therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.
Retail Package Size Restrictions
Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package
The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes in packages of fewer than 20 sticks.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 with respect to the sale of small packets of cigarettes.
Minimum weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package
The law does not require a minimum weight per unit package of smokeless tobacco.
Minimum number of sticks for rolling tobacco
The law prohibits the sale of rolling tobacco in unit packages weighing less than 30 grams.
Retail Licensing Requirements
Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products
The Act on Tobacco Products requires any party seeking to market tobacco products to consumers in Denmark or in another EU/EEA country by means of cross-border distance sales to register with the Danish Safety Technology Authority. The law does not require other sellers of tobacco products to register or obtain a specific retail license for the sale of tobacco products.
To align with FCTC Art. 15, the law should require retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.
