Iraq

Iraq became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on June 15, 2008.

Smoke Free Places

Smoking is prohibited in specified types of public places. As a result, certain types of places that are not on the list - such as indoor stadiums and arenas, bus stations and train stations - may escape the smoking ban either intentionally or unintentionally. Smoking is prohibited on all public transportation.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

The law prohibits virtually all forms of tobacco advertising and promotion. All forms of tobacco sponsorship are prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

On cigarette packaging, the implementing standard requires text-only health warnings to cover 40 percent of the front surface and combined picture and text warnings to cover 40 percent of the back surface. While the law requires combined picture and text warnings to cover at least 30 percent of the front and back surfaces of all tobacco product packaging, the details of warnings required on packaging for products other than cigarettes are uncertain. Misleading cigarette packaging and labeling, including terms such as "light" and "low nicotine" and other signs, is prohibited.

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

The law regulates specified contents of cigarettes, including restricting the use of sweeteners and flavoring agents. 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, nor are there restrictions on the sale of single cigarettes or small packets of cigarettes. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

E-Cigarettes

The law prohibits the manufacture, sale, importation, and advertising of e-cigarettes. There are no restrictions on use in indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and public transport.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

The Anti-Smoking Act No. 19 of 2012 governs smoking in public places, tobacco advertising and promotion, tobacco packaging and labeling, tobacco product emissions and contents, and some sales restrictions. Directive No. 1 of 2014 Facilitating Implementation of the Anti-Smoking Act (No. 19 of 2012) delegates to various ministries responsibilities with regard to tobacco control policy enforcement, and includes additional details about permitted designated smoking areas. Standard Specification No. 546, Revision 2, Cigarettes (IQS 546/2018) contains packaging and labeling requirements, including health warnings, for cigarette packaging and regulates specified cigarette contents and emissions. A 2020 Ministry of Health and Environment decision clarifies the scope of the ban 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.