Last updated: March 7, 2022
Penalties
Sales Restrictions
(e.g., seizure of the product, publication of the violation/violator)
The manufacture, import, wholesale, distribution, storage, or sale of shisha is punishable by a fine between 1,000 and 200,000 Birr and imprisonment for a term between three months and three years. In addition, the Authority may detain, seize, confiscate, and dispose of any non-complying products. Further, the manufacture, importer or wholesaler may have their business license suspended or revoked.
Though a specific penalty is not prescribed for internet sales, violators can be punished under Art. 67(4), which includes a fine between 5,000 to 100,00 Birr and imprisonment for a term from three to five years, in addition to confiscation of non-complying products.
Similarly, though a specific penalty is not prescribed for the ban on single stick sales, administrative measures under Art. 65 can be imposed upon licensed entities – manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, and distributors. These measures include: a warning; and detention, seizure, confiscation, and destruction of non-complying products; among others.
In addition, regional states have the legislative power to fill gaps in criminal penalties not covered under federal legislation.
Location-based Sales Restrictions
Violations of location-based sales restriction are punishable by a fine not exceeding 5,000 Birr and imprisonment not exceeding six months.
Minimum Retail Package Size
(e.g., seizure of the product, publication of the violation/violator)
Though a specific penalty is not prescribed for the sale of packages with fewer than 20 sticks, administrative measures under Art. 65 can be imposed upon licensed entities – manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, and distributors. These measures include: a warning; fine; and detention, seizure, confiscation, and destruction of non-complying products; among others. Further, manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and distributers may have their license suspended or revoked.
In addition, regional states have the legislative power to fill gaps in criminal penalties not covered under federal legislation.
Minimum Legal Sales Age
Violations of the minimum legal sales age are punishable by a fine between 1,000 and 3,000 Birr and imprisonment for not less than three months.
