Last updated: February 14, 2022
Sales Restrictions
Sale of single cigarettes/sticks
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.
To align with FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit the sale
of single cigarettes as this increases the affordability of
cigarettes to minors.
Sale of tobacco products via vending machines
The law allows vending machines but restricts their use. Vending machines must be shut down between the hours of 7:00am and 9:00pm, unless the vending machine has an electronic ID reader. Vending machines with electronic ID readers may operate at all hours.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 in that it attempts to prohibit vending machine sales to minors. To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should prohibit all vending machine sales of tobacco products as such sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.
Sale of tobacco products via the internet
Decree No. 6/2016 bans the transnational sale of tobacco products to consumers in Italy. This prohibition is interpreted as banning internet sales based outside of Italy. Other internet sales are permitted. As some internet sales are permitted and others are not, the regulatory status, “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
The sale of tobacco for oral use is banned. However, other types of smokeless tobacco (e.g., for chewing or snuff) is permitted. Therefore, the regulatory status code “Some Restrictions” is given.
Sale of waterpipe tobacco products
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
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in schools/educational facilities.
Playgrounds
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds.
Stadiums/arenas
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas.
Healthcare facilities
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.
Cultural facilities
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; 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
The law provides that an individual cigarette pack contains at least 20 cigarettes.
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
The law does not require a minimum weight per unit package of smokeless tobacco.
Minimum weight of roll-your-own tobacco per unit package
The law prohibits the sale of roll-your-own tobacco ("rolling tobacco") in a unit package of less than 30 grams.
Retail Licensing Requirements
Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products
The law does not require a specific retail license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.
To align with FCTC Art. 15, the law should require retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.
