Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on April 22, 2007.

Smoke Free Places

The law prohibits smoking in most indoor workplaces and public places. However, smoking is permitted in designated areas of restaurants and public transport facilities. Smoking is prohibited on all public transport, including in aircraft, on buses, taxis, subways, watercraft, and rail transport.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

The law prohibits most forms of tobacco advertising and promotion, including point of sale product display. However, some forms are likely not covered by the ban, including free distribution, direct person-to-person targeting, and retailer incentive programs. Although sponsorship by the tobacco industry is not completely prohibited, publicity of the sponsorship is prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

On packaging of smoked tobacco products, rotating picture and text health warnings are required to cover 50 percent of the front and back of packaging. The law prohibits the sale of smokeless tobacco products. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “light” and “low tar” and other signs, is prohibited.

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

The law regulates specified contents of cigarettes, including banning mint; some herbs; and some other flavorings. Manufacturers and importers are required to disclose to government authorities information on the contents and emissions of their products.

Sales Restrictions

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products via vending machines and the internet; and in educational facilities, stadiums/arenas, healthcare facilities, and other specified locations. In addition, the law prohibits the sale of smokeless tobacco, single cigarettes, and small packets of cigarettes. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 21.

E-Cigarettes

The sale, import, manufacture and distribution of e-cigarettes, including e-liquids and devices, are prohibited. The law does not address the use of e-cigarettes in indoor public places, workplaces, and public transport; therefore, the use of e-cigarettes is allowed. The law restricts e-cigarette advertising and promotion.

Heated Tobacco Products

The sale of heated tobacco products (HTPs) is allowed. Existing smoking restrictions apply to HTPs. The law prohibits most forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Picture and text health warnings are required to cover 65 percent of each side of tobacco insert packaging. While health warnings on product packaging for devices are required, the details are not prescribed in the law. 

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

Article 110 of the Law on People's Health and Healthcare System (Act No. 360-IV) regulates tobacco and nicotine products, including consumption in public places, advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, packaging and labeling, and sales restrictions. As part of the Eurasian Economic Union, packaging and labeling of smoked tobacco products must comply with the Technical Regulations for Tobacco Products (TR TC 035/2015) and EEC Council Decision No. 18. The Law on Advertising (No. 508-II) regulates advertising generally, with specific provisions addressing tobacco advertising. The Code on Administrative Offenses provides penalties for violations of the various laws.

Review Status

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