Last updated: September 9, 2021
Penalties
Sales Restrictions
(e.g., seizure of the product, publication of the violation/violator)
Violations of the ban on vending machines sales, internet sales, single cigarette sales, and smokeless tobacco products are subject to a fine of not less than ten thousand dalasis or imprisonment for a term not less than one year or both. If the violator is a corporate entity, the court shall, in addition to the stipulated penalty, 1) impose a fine of one hundred thousand dalasis, 2) order the surrender of any proceeds of sale of such product to the government, or 3) suspend the trading license of the entity for not less than six months. In addition, the court may order the seizure, forfeiture or destruction of any prohibited material.
Location-based Sales Restrictions
(e.g., seizure of the product, publication of the violation/violator)
Violations of location-based sales restrictions are subject to a fine of not less than ten thousand dalasis or imprisonment for a term not less than one year or both. If the violator is a corporate entity, the court shall, in addition to the stipulated penalty, 1) impose a fine of one hundred thousand dalasis, 2) order the surrender of any proceeds of sale of such product to the government, or 3) suspend the trading license of the entity for not less than six months. In addition, the court may order the seizure, forfeiture or destruction of any prohibited material.
Minimum Retail Package Size
(e.g., seizure of the product, publication of the violation/violator)
Violations of the minimum retail package size are subject to a fine of not less than ten thousand dalasis or imprisonment for a term not less than one year or both. If the violator is a corporate entity, the court shall, in addition to the stipulated penalty, 1) impose a fine of one hundred thousand dalasis, 2) order the surrender of any proceeds of sale of such product to the government, or 3) suspend the trading license of the entity for not less than six months. In addition, the court may order the seizure, forfeiture or destruction of any prohibited material.
Minimum Legal Sales Age
(e.g., seizure of the product, publication of the violation/violator)
Violations of the ban on sales to persons below the age of 18 are punishable by a fine of not less than five thousand dalasis or imprisonment for a term of not less than three months or both. If the violator is a corporate entity, the court may, in addition to the penalty stipulated: 1) impose a fine of not less than one hundred thousand dalasis, 2) order the surrender of any proceeds of sale of such product, or 3) suspend the trading license for a period of not less than six months. In addition, the court shall order the seizure, forfeiture or destruction of any prohibited material.
