Last updated: August 2, 2022
Penalties
Advertising and Promotion
(e.g., seizure of the product, publication of the violation/violator)
Ministry of Health
Local manufacturers and importers who violate advertising provisions (Art. 11) are subject to a fine from 8 million to 40 million riel. For repeat violations within two years, fines are doubled.
Local manufacturers and importers that violate display provisions (Art. 12) are subject to a fine of 1 million to 4 million riel. For repeat display violations within two years, fines are doubled.
Legal entities that are found criminally liable are also subject to suspension or termination of business activities, and announcement and publication of the decision on punishment.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines in that it provides for a range of penalties commensurate with the seriousness of the violation, with increased penalties for repeat violations. To further align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that tobacco retailers, advertising agencies, and those that sell advertising space may also be held responsible for advertising and promotion violations.
Sponsorship
(e.g., seizure of the product, publication of the violation/violator)
Ministry of Health
Local manufacturers and importers who violate sponsorship provisions (Art. 13) are subject to a fine from 8 million to 40 million riel. For repeat offenses within two years fines are doubled. Legal entities that are found criminally liable are also subject to suspension or termination of business activities, and announcement and publication of the decision on punishment.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines in that it provides for a range of penalties commensurate with the seriousness of the violation, with increased penalties for repeat violations. To further align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should make clear that others involved in sponsorship activities may also be held responsible for sponsorship violations.