Last updated: February 10, 2020

Sales Restrictions

Sale of single cigarettes/sticks

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes except in packages containing at least 20 cigarettes. This is interpreted as prohibiting 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

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits vending machine sales of 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

Banned
Analysis

Although the law does not explicitly ban internet tobacco product sales, it does prohibit “any form of commercial communication, recommendation or action with the aim, effect or likely effect of promoting a tobacco product, an accessory or tobacco use directly or indirectly.” Because selling tobacco over the internet can be considered a commercial action having as its purpose or effect the promotion of a tobacco product and therefore encourages the purchase or consumption of tobacco products, the law is interpreted as prohibiting internet-based tobacco product sales.

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

Allowed
Analysis

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

Allowed
Analysis

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

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in schools/educational facilities.

Playgrounds

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds.

Stadiums/arenas

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas.

Healthcare facilities

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.

Cultural facilities

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.

Retail Package Size Restrictions

Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package

Yes
Analysis

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

No
Analysis

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

Yes
Analysis

The law requires retail traders in tobacco products to obtain a license to sell tobacco products.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 15 in that the law requires retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.