Cameroon

Cameroon became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on May 4, 2006.

Smoke Free Places

Smoking is prohibited in schools, universities and Ministry buildings. Smoking is not regulated in any other indoor public place, indoor workplace or on any means of public transportation.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

There is a ban on tobacco advertising and promotion on television, radio and in the printed press as well as on outdoor advertising. Tobacco sponsorship is allowed, but there are some restrictions on the publicity of such sponsorship.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

The law requires rotating pictorial health warnings on 70 percent of the front and back surfaces of tobacco product packaging. Misleading packaging and labeling, which could include terms such as “light” and “low tar” and other signs, is prohibited. 

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

The law does not grant the authority to regulate the contents of cigarettes. The law does not require that manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities information on the contents and emissions of their products.

Sales Restrictions

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products via vending machines or the internet. There are no restrictions on the sale of single cigarettes or small packets of cigarettes. However, the law bans the sale and use of waterpipe tobacco. The law does not specify a minimum age for the purchase of tobacco products.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

Three circulars restrict smoking in certain public places and workplaces, such as educational institutions and government buildings. These circulars are: Ministry of Economy and Finances Circular No. 07/788; Ministry of Secondary Education Circular No. 15/07 on Creating Non-Smoking Areas and Anti-Smoking Clubs in Schools; and Ministry of Higher Education Circular No. 0001 on Tobacco Control in the Central Services of the Ministry of Higher Education and Public Academic Institutions. Law No. 2006/018 governs tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Joint Order No. 0001/2018 governs tobacco product packaging and labeling, replacing Ministry of Public Health and Ministry of Commerce Order No. 967 of June 2007. The Joint Order was originally supposed to enter into effect on January 3, 2019, but implementation was delayed to June 12, 2019. A subsequent round of health warnings was issued in Decision No. 2424 of October 26, 2020.

Review Status

This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff in consultation with in-country lawyers or tobacco control experts.