Eritrea

Eritrea is not a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Smoke Free Places

Smoking is prohibited except in designated smoking areas in most indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and public transport. The law allows smoking in public places and workplaces, where the primary business is the sale of alcoholic beverages to the general public.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

The law prohibits most forms of tobacco advertising and promotion. The law allows unpaid depiction of tobacco use and tobacco products in TV, film or other entertainment media, and the law does not address cross-border advertising. Sponsorship by the tobacco industry is prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

The law requires that health warnings on tobacco products occupy a minimum of 30 percent of principal display areas. Health warnings must rotate; however, the law does not provide information on specific rotation requirements. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “light” and “low tar” and other signs, is prohibited.

Cigarette Contents

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 prohibits the sale of tobacco products via vending machines, the internet and in educational facilities, playgrounds, stadiums, and healthcare institutions. The law restricts the sale of cigarettes in cultural facilities. However, there are no 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.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

Proclamation No. 143 /2004, A Proclamation to Provide for Tobacco Control is the primary source of legislation governing smoke free places; advertising, promotion and sponsorship; and packaging and labeling.

Review Status

This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff. No in-country lawyers or tobacco control experts reviewed our analysis.