Last updated: December 5, 2023
Penalties
Sales Restrictions
Under COTPA, a violation of the prohibition on vending machine sales is subject to a fine of up to 200 rupees. All agencies that are authorized to enforce this provision are listed in Annexure II of G.S.R. 619(E).
Violations of state laws prohibiting the sale of single cigarettes are punished as a health warning violation. Penalties for retailers who sell single cigarettes include: (a) in the case of a first conviction, imprisonment for a term up to one year or a fine up to 1,000 rupees or both; (b) in case of a second or subsequent conviction, imprisonment for a term up to two years and a fine up to 3,000 rupees; (c) seizure of tobacco products; and/or (d) confiscation and disposal of tobacco products. Additionally, the government may seize tobacco products that contravene the provisions of COTPA.
Location-based Sales Restrictions
A person who violates the prohibition on tobacco sales near education facilities is subject to a fine of up to 200 rupees.
Minimum Retail Package Size
The law does not regulate the minimum size of tobacco product packages; therefore, there are no associated penalties.
Minimum Legal Sales Age
A person who sells a tobacco product to anyone below the minimum legal sales age is subject to a fine of up to 200 rupees.
