Last updated: January 12, 2021
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 2014 Directive expressly prohibits the installation of vending machines to sell tobacco products, effectively prohibiting the sale of tobacco products via vending machines.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16 with respect to sale by vending machines.
Sale of tobacco products via the internet
The 2014 Directive expressly prohibits the sale of tobacco products “via electronic and social media such as the Internet, various websites, Facebook, and Twitter etc.”
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines with respect to internet tobacco product sales.
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 within 100 meters of educational facilities.
Playgrounds
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in recreational event sites, where tobacco products get promoted, advertised, or sponsored. Because it is uncertain whether playgrounds would be considered recreational event sites, the regulatory status code, “Uncertain,” is given.
Stadiums/arenas
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products at sporting events and any other recreational event sites, where they get promoted, advertised, or sponsored.
Healthcare facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products within 100 meters of health institutions.
Cultural facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in guest areas, fete venues, cultural or musical programs, and dance programs. This is interpreted as prohibiting the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.
Childcare centers and child welfare homes
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products within 100 meters of childcare centers and child welfare homes.
Elderly care homes
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products within 100 meters of elderly care homes.
Tax-free stores
The law prohibits the sale of the following tobacco products in tax-free stores: bidis, cigars, sisa, kakkad, chilam, sulpa, chewing tobacco, and gutkha in tax-free stores. As other tobacco products are permitted, the regulatory status code “Some Restrictions” is given.
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.
Minimum number of bidis per unit package
The law prohibits the sale of bidis in packages of fewer than 20 sticks.
Retail Licensing Requirements
Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products
The law requires retail traders in tobacco products to obtain a license to sell tobacco products from March 13, 2017.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 15 in that the law requires retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.
