Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on January 2, 2006.

Smoke Free Places

Smoking is prohibited in public transport; government facilities; healthcare facilities; daycares, nurseries, and other places that cater to children under the age of 18; educational institutions; sports venues, stadiums, and gymnasiums; garages and gasoline stations; covered public transportation terminals and stops; and addiction rehabilitation centers. In other listed enclosed and semi-enclosed public places and workplaces - including bars, restaurants, airports, and water-transportation terminals - smoking is restricted to designated areas. Smoking is prohibited in nature parks, within three meters from enclosed public places, and around the perimeter of semi-enclosed public places.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

There is a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship. However, some promotional activity may escape the ban due to the definition of advertising. For example, it is unclear whether promotions with a tobacco product purchase are allowed. Although sponsorship by the tobacco industry is not completely prohibited, publicity of any permitted sponsorship is prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

All tobacco products must carry a combined picture/text warning that occupies 50 percent of the front, 100 percent of the back, and 100 percent of the side of the tobacco product package. Because regulations have not yet been issued, rotation requirements are unclear. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as ‘light’, ‘ultra-light’, ‘mild’, ‘low-tar’, and ‘slim’, is prohibited.

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

The law regulates specified contents in cigarettes, including prohibiting additives to enhance flavor, add color, confer nutritional benefits, or that are associated with stimulants; as well as fruits and vegetables, sweeteners (other than to replace sugar lost during processing), spices and herbs, and additives with carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic properties. The law requires that manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities information on the contents and emissions of their products.

Sales Restrictions

The law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes and in packages of less than 20 units, and sales by internet and street vendors. Vending machine sales are restricted. The sale of tobacco is prohibited in educational facilities; playgrounds; stadiums and arenas; bakeries; conventions and events; and pharmacies. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

Law No. 8/X/2022 is the primary piece of legislation governing tobacco control and regulates smoking in public places; tobacco advertising and promotion; tobacco packing and labeling; cigarette contents and disclosures; and sales restrictions. The Advertising Code regulates advertising generally, including restrictions on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

Review Status

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