Last updated: June 5, 2024

Sales Restrictions

Sale of single cigarettes/sticks

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of single cigarette sticks.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 in that the law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes.

Sale of tobacco products via vending machines

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits vending machine sales of tobacco products.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16 with respect to vending machine sales.

Sale of tobacco products via the internet

Some Restrictions
Analysis

The law prohibits cross-border distance sales of tobacco products, which include cross-border internet sales. However, it does not explicitly prohibit domestic distance sale of tobacco products, including via the internet. Therefore, the regulatory status code “Some Restrictions” is given.

To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should prohibit all internet tobacco product sales as internet sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.

Sale of smokeless tobacco products

Some Restrictions
Analysis

The law prohibits the importation, manufacture, and sale of fine-grained snuff and all oral tobacco, with the exception of chewing tobacco. Therefore, the regulatory status code “Some Restrictions” is given.

Sale of waterpipe tobacco products

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of waterpipe tobacco; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of waterpipe tobacco.

Location-based Sales Restrictions

Schools/educational facilities

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in schools/educational facilities.

Playgrounds

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in “institutions for children and teenagers.” This is interpreted to include playgrounds.

Stadiums/arenas

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas.

Healthcare facilities

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.

Cultural facilities

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.

Retail Package Size Restrictions

Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package

Yes
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes in packages of fewer than 20 sticks.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 with respect to the sale of small packets of cigarettes.

Minimum weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package

No
Analysis

The law does not require a minimum weight per unit package of smokeless tobacco.

Retail Licensing Requirements

Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products

Yes
Analysis

The law requires retail traders in tobacco products to obtain a license to sell tobacco products.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 15 in that the law requires retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.