Algeria

Algeria became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on September 28, 2006.

Smoke Free Places

The law prohibits smoking in educational, health, athletic, and cultural facilities. Smoking is restricted in parts of workplaces intended for groups of workers, and designated smoking areas are permitted. In other parts of workplaces, smoking is allowed. Smoking is prohibited on most forms of public transport, with the exception of passenger ships conducting international voyages, on which designated smoking rooms must be provided. With respect to outdoor places, the law prohibits smoking in the uncovered places frequented by students in educational facilities.

Issued in July 2018, Law No. 18-11 prohibits smoking in public places. The implementing details are to be established in regulations. Until those are issued, the implementing regulations issued under Law No. 85-05, including those restrictions specified above, remain in effect.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

The law prohibits "[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products." There is no further legislation, however, providing details regarding this prohibition, and the terms “tobacco advertising and promotion” and “tobacco sponsorship” are not defined. Accordingly, it is difficult to determine the exact scope of the ban. The law is interpreted as prohibiting tobacco advertising through traditional advertising means (e.g., domestic radio, television, newspapers, billboards); however, the regulatory status of other means is uncertain.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

Cigarette packs must display a general textual health warning on the front side of the pack and a picture health warning on the back side of the pack. The law, however, does not specify the size of the warnings and whether rotation is required. Implementing regulations have yet to be issued. Packages of snuff and chewing tobacco must display only the general textual warning.

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

The law grants the authority to regulate the contents of cigarettes; however, no subsequent regulations have been issued. The law requires that manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities information on the contents and emissions of their products.

Sales Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the sale of single cigarette sticks, small packets of cigarettes, tobacco products via the internet or based on location. It is uncertain whether the sale of tobacco products via vending machine is prohibited. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

Enacted in 1985, Law No. 85-05 generally prohibits smoking in public places and provides for subsequent regulations regarding smoke free places and detailing implementation. Law No. 85-05 also generally prohibits the advertising of tobacco products, but no further legislation provides details regarding this prohibition. In 2001, Executive Decree 01-285 was enacted and provides more details on smoke free places. Various ministries subsequently issued further instructions or orders regarding smoke free policies in areas under their jurisdiction.

Executive Decree No. 04-331 was enacted in 2004 and established textual warnings on tobacco product packages, among other things. However, this decree was amended and supplemented by Executive Decree No. 19-122, which states that health warnings and constituents and emissions information are to be established by legislative provision and regulations.

Law No. 18-11 was enacted in July 2018 and repeals the provisions of Law No. 85-05. However, until implementing details under the new law are issued, the implementing regulations issued under Law No. 85-05 remain in effect. Law No. 18-11 includes a broad ban on smoking in public places; a broad ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; and packaging and labeling requirements.

Review Status

This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff. No in-country lawyers or tobacco control experts reviewed our analysis.