Estonia

Estonia became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on October 25, 2005.

Smoke Free Places

Smoking is prohibited in some indoor public places and workplaces, such as preschools, childcare facilities, and primary and secondary schools. However, owners or managers may create designated smoking areas in many indoor public places and workplaces. The law prohibits smoking in public transport except for local trains, long-distance trains, and passenger ships, where smoking is allowed in smoking rooms. Sub-national jurisdictions may enact smoke free laws that are more stringent than the national law; however, to date, none have done so.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

Most forms of direct tobacco advertising and tobacco promotion are banned. There are some restrictions on tobacco sponsorship. For permitted forms of sponsorship, the law allows information about the tobacco sponsor and the material support to be disclosed.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

Cigarettes and loose smoking tobacco must carry combined text/picture health warnings occupying 65 percent of the front and back of the tobacco product package. Warnings are required to rotate. One general warning and one informational message on constituents and emissions must occupy 50 percent of each side of the package. On packaging of cigars and cigarillos, text-only warnings must occupy 30 percent of the front and 40 percent of the back of the package. Smokeless tobacco products are prohibited and, therefore, there are no prescribed warnings. Misleading packaging and labeling, which could include terms such as “light” and “low tar” and other signs, is prohibited.

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

The law regulates specified contents of cigarettes, including banning characterizing flavors; and ingredients that facilitate nicotine uptake, create the impression of health benefits, or are associated with energy and vitality; among others. The law requires that manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities information on the contents and emissions of their products.

Sales Restrictions

The law prohibits tobacco product sales by vending machine and internet. In addition, the law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes, small packets of cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco products. Sales are prohibited in certain locations, including in schools, other facilities for children, and hospitals, among other places. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

E-Cigarettes

The sale of e-cigarettes is allowed. The law restricts the use of e-cigarettes in public and e-cigarette advertising, promotion and sponsorship. A text-only health warning is required to cover 30 percent of the front and back of e-cigarette packaging. Only tobacco and menthol flavors are permitted. The sale of e-cigarettes is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

The Tobacco Act is the primary law on tobacco control, and governs the following: smoking in public places, workplaces, and on public transport; tobacco promotion and sponsorship; tobacco packaging and labeling; cigarette contents and disclosures; and sales restrictions. Tobacco advertising is prohibited by the Advertising Act. The Media Services Act prohibits tobacco industry sponsorship of media services or programs and tobacco product placement within programs.

Review Status

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