Last updated: October 1, 2020
Regulated Forms of Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship
Domestic TV and radio (including all broadcast media such as satellite and cable)
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition. Although “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined, it is interpreted as covering traditional forms of advertising, given the plain meaning of that term. This includes advertising on TV and radio.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines with respect to domestic TV and radio. However, to clarify the scope of the ban, the law should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Domestic newspapers and magazines
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition. Although “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined, it is interpreted as covering traditional forms of advertising, given the plain meaning of that term. This includes advertising in newspapers and magazines.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines with respect to domestic newspapers and magazines. However, to clarify the scope of the ban, the law should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Other domestic print media, such as pamphlets, leaflets, flyers, posters, signs (not including print advertising at the point of sale)
Other domestic print media, such as pamphlets, leaflet, flyers, posters, signs (not including print advertising at the point of sale)
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition. Although “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined, it is interpreted as covering traditional forms of advertising, given the plain meaning of that term. This includes advertising print media such as pamphlets, leaflets, flyers, posters, and signs.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines with respect to other domestic print media. However, to clarify the scope of the ban, the law should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
International TV and radio (including all broadcast media such as satellite and cable)
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as it is unclear whether the law prohibits tobacco advertising and promotion in this media.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco advertising and promotion on international TV and radio is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
International newspapers and magazines
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as it is unclear whether the law prohibits tobacco advertising and promotion in this media.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco advertising and promotion in international newspapers and magazines is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Internet communications
Internet communications (not sales)
The law prohibits "[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products." Therefore, tobacco advertising and promotion through internet communications is prohibited.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines with respect to internet advertising.
Outdoor advertising (e.g., billboards, posters)
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition. Although “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined, it is interpreted as covering traditional forms of advertising, given the plain meaning of that term. This includes outdoor advertising.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines with respect to outdoor advertising. However, to clarify the scope of the ban, the law should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Point of sale advertising/promotion
Point of sale advertising/promotion (other than product displays)
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as it is unclear whether the law prohibits point of sale tobacco advertising and promotion.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that point of sale tobacco advertising and promotion is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Point of sale product display
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as it is unclear whether the law prohibits tobacco advertising and promotion via point of sale product display.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco advertising and promotion via point of sale product display is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Conventional mail
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as it is unclear whether the law prohibits tobacco advertising and promotion via conventional mail.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco advertising and promotion via conventional mail is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Telephone and cellular phone
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as it is unclear whether the law prohibits tobacco advertising and promotion via telephone and cellular phone.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco advertising and promotion via telephone and cellular phone is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Brand marking on physical structures
Distinctive words, designs, images, logos, sounds, or colors to promote tobacco products in entertainment venues, retail outlets, on vehicles and equipment, or other physical structures (brand marking on physical structures, other than on tobacco product packaging and labeling and print material)
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as it is unclear whether the law prohibits tobacco advertising and promotion via brand marking other than on tobacco product packaging and labeling.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco advertising and promotion via brand marking other than on tobacco product packaging and labeling is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Free distribution of tobacco products
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as it is unclear whether the law prohibits tobacco advertising and promotion via free distribution of tobacco products.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco advertising and promotion via free distribution of tobacco products is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Promotions with a tobacco product purchase
Promotional discounts, gifts, prizes, rewards to consumers in conjunction with a tobacco product purchase (e.g., buy one pack, get one free or, key chains, t-shirts, coupons, points)
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as it is unclear whether the law prohibits tobacco advertising and promotion via promotions with a tobacco product purchase.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco advertising and promotion via promotions with a tobacco product purchase is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Competitions associated with tobacco products
Competitions associated with tobacco products or brand names, whether requiring the purchase of a tobacco product or not
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as it is unclear whether the law prohibits tobacco advertising and promotion via competitions associated with tobacco products.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco advertising and promotion via competitions associated with tobacco products is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Direct person to person targeting of individuals
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as it is unclear whether the law prohibits tobacco advertising and promotion via direct person to person targeting of individuals.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco advertising and promotion via direct person to person targeting of individuals is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Brand stretching/trademark diversification
Non-tobacco products or services using tobacco brand names or carrying a brand logo or other brand indicia (brand stretching)
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as it is unclear whether the law prohibits tobacco advertising and promotion via brand stretching/trademark diversification.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco advertising and promotion via brand stretching/trademark diversification is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Reverse brand stretching or brand sharing
Tobacco products or services using non-tobacco brand names (reverse brand stretching or brand sharing)
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as it is unclear whether the law prohibits tobacco advertising and promotion via reverse brand stretching or brand sharing.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco advertising and promotion via reverse brand stretching or brand sharing is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Toys that resemble tobacco products
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as it is unclear whether the law prohibits tobacco advertising and promotion via toys that resemble tobacco products.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco advertising and promotion via toys that resemble tobacco products is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Candy that resembles tobacco products
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as it is unclear whether the law prohibits tobacco advertising and promotion via candy that resembles tobacco products.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco advertising and promotion via candy that resembles tobacco products is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Retailer incentive programs
Retailer incentive programs (e.g., rewards to retailers for achieving certain sales volume, enhanced displays, etc.) or other payments to encourage them to sell tobacco products
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as it is unclear whether the law prohibits tobacco advertising and promotion via retailer incentive programs.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco advertising and promotion via retailer incentive programs is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Paid placement of tobacco products in TV, film or other media
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as it is unclear whether the law prohibits tobacco advertising and promotion via paid placement of tobacco products in TV, film or other media.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco advertising and promotion via paid placement of tobacco products in TV, film or other media is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Unpaid depiction of tobacco use or tobacco products in media that does not serve a legitimate purpose
Unpaid depiction of tobacco use or tobacco products in TV, film or other media that is not legitimate journalistic, artistic, or academic expression or legitimate social or political commentary
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as it is unclear whether the law prohibits tobacco advertising and promotion via unpaid depiction of tobacco use or tobacco products in media that does not serve a legitimate purpose.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco advertising and promotion via unpaid depiction of tobacco use or tobacco products in media is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
Tobacco industry sponsorship of events, activities, individuals, organizations or governments
Financial or other sponsorship or support by the tobacco industry to events, activities, individuals or groups (e.g., groups involved in sports, the arts, politics, charitable or welfare, or other activities, or youth smoking prevention programs)
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco sponsorship” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as the scope of the ban on tobacco sponsorship is unclear.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco industry sponsorship, including “corporate social responsibility” contributions is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco sponsorship” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(g).
Publicity of financial or other sponsorship or support by the tobacco industry if tobacco sponsorship is not banned
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and
advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation
providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco sponsorship”
is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has
been given for this category as the scope of the ban on tobacco
sponsorship, and publicity of any sponsorship that may be permitted, is unclear.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco industry sponsorship, including “corporate social responsibility” contributions, is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco sponsorship” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(g).
Promotion by any means that are false, misleading or deceptive
Promotion by any means that are false, misleading or deceptive or likely to create an erroneous impression about a product's characteristics, health effects, hazards or emissions (covering any term, descriptor, trademark, emblem, marketing image, logo, color and figurative, or any other indicia)
The law prohibits “[a]ny form of promotion, sponsorship and advertising for tobacco products.” There is no further legislation providing details regarding this prohibition, and “tobacco advertising and promotion” is not defined. The regulatory status code “Uncertain” accordingly has been given for this category as the scope of the ban on tobacco advertising and promotion is unclear.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco promotion is prohibited. The law further should define the term “tobacco advertising and promotion” in accordance with FCTC Art. 1(c).
