Guyana

Guyana became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on December 14, 2005.

Smoke Free Places 

Smoking is banned in all indoor public places, all indoor workplaces, and on public transport. In addition, smoking is banned in several outdoor locations, including on the premises of health care, child care or educational facilities, within five meters of a window or door to an indoor public place or indoor workplace, public waiting areas such as bus stops, and in parks and playgrounds.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship 

The law imposes a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and promotion. All forms of tobacco sponsorship are also prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling 

Rotating combined picture and text health warnings are required to be displayed on 60 percent of the front and back of tobacco product packages. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “light” and “low tar,” is prohibited. The law requires qualitative statements on constituents and emissions, and bans emission yields such as tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide from being displayed on tobacco product packaging.

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

The law grants the authority to regulate the contents of cigarettes; however, no subsequent regulations have been issued. The law does not require that manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities information on the contents or emissions of their products.

Sales Restrictions

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products via the internet, vending machines, and in government buildings and educational, healthcare, sports, athletic, and recreational facilities. In addition, the law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes and small packs of cigarettes. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

E-Cigarettes

The law permits the sale of e-cigarettes. The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited where smoking is prohibited, which includes in all indoor public places, workplaces, and on public transport, as well as in specified outdoor places. All e-cigarette advertising, promotion and sponsorship is prohibited, as is product display at the point of sale. Health warnings are currently not required on product packaging. The sale of e-cigarettes is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

The Tobacco Control Act, 2017 is the primary sources of legislation governing smoke free places; advertising, promotion and sponsorship; and packaging and labeling. The Tobacco Products’ Packaging and Labelling Regulations 2018 contain implementing details for health warnings required on tobacco product packaging.

Review Status

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