Last updated: November 11, 2021
Sales Restrictions
Sale of single cigarettes/sticks
The law prohibits a person to "sell cigarettes except in a package containing at least ten cigarettes, or such other minimum number of cigarettes, not being less than ten, as may be prescribed." This provision is interpreted as prohibiting the sale of single cigarettes.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 in that the law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes.
Sale of tobacco products via vending machines
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products by vending machine.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16 (sales to minors) with respect to vending machine sales.
Sale of tobacco products via the internet
The law does not specifically prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products through the internet. Absent an explicit ban, the law is interpreted as permitting internet tobacco product sales.
Although the law prohibits the delivery of tobacco products through the mail, this is not interpreted as a ban on 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 tobacco advertising and promotion.
Sale of smokeless tobacco products
The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of smokeless tobacco products; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of smokeless tobacco products.
Sale of waterpipe tobacco products
The sale of waterpipe tobacco is prohibited.
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 weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package
The law prohibits the sale of "a tobacco product other than cigarettes . . . except in a package that contains at least ten units of the product, or such other minimum number of units of the product, not being less than ten, as may be prescribed." This is interpreted as setting the minimum weight of smokeless tobacco at 10 grams per unit package.
Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package
The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes "except in a package containing at least ten cigarettes, or such other minimum number of cigarettes, not being less than ten, as may be prescribed."
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 with respect to the sale of small packets of cigarettes. To more fully align, the law should require a minimum of 20 cigarette sticks per packet.
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.