India

The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of single cigarette sticks; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of single cigarette sticks. However, several state governments have banned the sale of loose cigarettes as a violation of pack warning laws. Therefore, the regulatory status code "Some Restrictions" is given.

To align with FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit the sale of single cigarettes throughout India as this increases the affordability of cigarettes to minors.

The sale of tobacco products by vending machine is explicitly prohibited in G.S.R. 619(E), which amends Rule 5 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Rules, 2004 (G.S.R. 137(E)).

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16 in this respect.

The law does not explicitly prohibit internet sales. While it is possible to interpret COTPA Sec. 5(1) (prohibiting a person having control over a medium to advertise, tobacco products through that medium) broadly as encompassing such sales, there is no explicit reference to electronic sales - only physical points of sale. Accordingly, we conclude that the drafters did not intend to prohibit internet sales.

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

National law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of smokeless tobacco products. However, the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Regulations prohibit tobacco and nicotine from being used in any food products. Subsequent to a Supreme Court order, all state governments have banned the manufacture and sale of gutka and pan masala (with tobacco and nicotine) under FSS Regulations, Sec. 2.3.4. Further, at least 12 states/union territories have banned, in addition to gutka, other forms of smokeless tobacco - e.g., zarda, khaini, and kharra - under FSS Regulations, Sec. 2.3.4 and FSS Act 2006, Sec. 30(2)(a), which empowers the Commissioner of Food Safety to prohibit in the interest of public health, the manufacture, storage, distribution, or sale of any article of food. In addition, two state governments have imposed a comprehensive ban on smokeless tobacco through their Public Health Acts. Based on this, the regulatory status code "Some Restrictions" is given.

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

Note: The Ministry of Health and Welfare recently issued a rule clarifying that hookah service is not allowed in places where smoking is otherwise legally permitted (e.g., smoking areas in certain restaurants, bars, airports).

COTPA prohibits the sale of cigarettes or any other tobacco product within a radius of 100 yards of any educational institution. An "educational institution," as defined by Ministry of Health Notification G.S.R. 40(E), includes schools, colleges, and institutions of higher learning.

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

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.

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

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.

The law does not require a minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package.

To align with FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit the sale of small packets of cigarettes which increase the affordability to minors.

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

There is no national-level requirement that retail traders must obtain a license or equivalent approval in order to sell tobacco products. However, some states do require retail licenses.

To align with FCTC Art. 15, the law should require retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.