Kosovo

Kosovo is not a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Smoke Free Places

Smoking is prohibited in nearly all indoor public places and workplaces. Designated smoking rooms are permitted in certain healthcare facilities, retirement communities, prisons, and hotel rooms.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

All forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship are prohibited. All forms of financial or other tobacco sponsorship are prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

Kosovo requires text warnings cover 32 percent of the front and 45 percent of the back of all tobacco products. The front must have one of two general warnings, and the back must have one of eleven additional warnings. Rotation is required, but the law does not provide instructions as to the timing of the rotations. Thirty-six months following the implementation of the law, additional graphic warnings will be required on the back of the pack. The total size of the warnings will not change. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “light” and “low tar,” is prohibited.

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

The law grants the authority to regulate the contents of cigarettes; however, no subsequent regulations have been issued. The law requires that manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities information on the contents and emissions of their products.

Sales Restrictions

The law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes and the sale of tobacco products in educational institutions, healthcare institutions, sports facilities, and cultural facilities. In addition, the law restricts the sale of tobacco products by vending machine. However, there are no restrictions on internet sales or the sale of small packs of cigarettes. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

Law No. 4/L-156 is the primary tobacco control legislation, and it regulates, among other things, smoking in public places and workplaces; tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship; tobacco packaging and labeling; and tobacco industry interference. Law No. 4 abrogated the previous tobacco control law and its amendments, respectively, Law No. 02/L-36 and Law No. 3/L-157. 

Review Status

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