Gambia

The Gambia became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on December 17, 2007.

Smoke Free Places

Smoking is prohibited in all indoor workplaces, public places, and on all means of public transport.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

There is a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and promotion. All forms of tobacco sponsorship are prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

As of September 6, 2021, smoked tobacco product packaging is required to display combined picture and text warnings occupying 75 percent of the front and back of the package. The health warnings currently in rotation cover 81.5 percent of the front and back of the package. Smokeless tobacco products are prohibited. 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 grants the authority to regulate the contents of cigarettes; however, no subsequent regulations have been issued. 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 the sale of tobacco products via vending machine and the internet, in schools, stadiums, healthcare facilities, cultural facilities, public places of worship, and other specified locations. The law also prohibits the sale of smokeless tobacco, single cigarettes, small packets of cigarettes, and tobacco in unit packages weighing less than 100 grams. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

E-Cigarettes

The law bans the sale of e-cigarettes. There are no restrictions on use or advertising, promotion and sponsorship of e-cigarettes.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

The Tobacco Control Act, 2016 was adopted in December 2016 and entered into force on December 17, 2018. Provisions on smoking in public places and tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship came into effect immediately. The Tobacco Control Regulations, 2019 contain implementing details related to health warning contents, sales restrictions, disclosure requirements, smoke free places, and enforcement. The Regulations entered into force on October 1, 2019. Pursuant to the Notification of Commencement, picture health warnings meeting the requirements under the Tobacco Control Act, 2016 and the Tobacco Control Regulations, 2019 were originally going to be required beginning January 6, 2021. However, the implementation date was subsequently delayed to September 6, 2021.

Review Status

This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff in consultation with in-country lawyers or tobacco control experts.