Last updated: July 29, 2022
Sales Restrictions
Sale of single cigarettes/sticks
The law prohibits the sale of single cigarette sticks.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 in that the law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes.
Sale of tobacco products via vending machines
The law prohibits the use of vending machines that dispense tobacco products.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16 with respect to vending machine sales.
Sale of tobacco products via the internet
The Tobacco Control Law prohibits “sales to consumers through telephonic, digital, electronic, postal or other means through which it is not possible to ascertain clearly and in a timely fashion the identification of the buyer.” The Tobacco Control Regulations contain a similar provision that specifically adds “internet” to the list of means of sales prohibited. Therefore, internet tobacco product sales are banned.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines with respect to internet sales of tobacco products.
Sale of smokeless tobacco products
The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of smokeless tobacco products; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of smokeless tobacco products.
Sale of waterpipe tobacco products
The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of waterpipe tobacco; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of waterpipe tobacco.
Location-based Sales Restrictions
Schools/educational facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in schools/educational facilities.
Playgrounds
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in public places where recreational activities of any kind are conducted and recreational or amusement centers for minors. This is interpreted as prohibiting the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds.
Stadiums/arenas
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas, including sports facilities and recreational centers.
Healthcare facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.
Cultural facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities, including lecture halls, exhibits, libraries, conference rooms, auditoriums and museums.
Government buildings (not including correctional institutions)
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in all government buildings, including public institutions, public administration facilities, and social service buildings (not including correctional institutions).
Recreational or amusement centers for minors
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in recreational or leisure centers for minors.
Smoke-free places
The Tobacco Control Law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in places where smoking is prohibited.
Retail Package Size Restrictions
Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package
The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes in packages of fewer than 20 sticks.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 with respect to the sale of small packets of cigarettes.
Minimum weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package
The law does not require a minimum weight per unit package of smokeless tobacco.
Retail Licensing Requirements
Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products
The law does not require a specific retail license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.
To align with FCTC Art. 15, the law should require retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.
