Last updated: June 15, 2023
Sales Restrictions
Sale of single cigarettes/sticks
The law prohibits the sale of single cigarette sticks.
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 vending machine sales of tobacco products.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16 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; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting internet tobacco product sales.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should prohibit internet tobacco product sales, regardless of age, as internet sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.
Sale of smokeless tobacco products
The production, import, and circulation of smokeless tobacco products is prohibited, with the exception of naswar. (Naswar is defined as “a non-smoking tobacco product intended for sucking and made from tobacco with the addition of an alkaline component (including lime) and other ingredients”).
Sale of waterpipe tobacco products
The sale of waterpipe tobacco is allowed.
Location-based Sales Restrictions
Schools/educational facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in schools/educational facilities.
Playgrounds
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in children’s play areas.
Stadiums/arenas
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas.
Healthcare facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.
Cultural facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.
Buildings and premises of institutions, youth affairs agencies, social services
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in buildings and premises of institutions, youth affairs agencies, social services.
Buildings and premises of state and local self-government bodies
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in buildings and premises of state and local self-government bodies.
Workplaces and working areas of buildings, structures and premises
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products at workplaces and in working areas of buildings, structures and premises.
Public transport, including taxis, on water-carriers and aircraft, and on local and long-distance trains
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in public transport, including taxis, on water-carriers and aircraft, and on local and long-distance trains.
Buildings and premises intended for the provision of rehabilitation and spa services
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in buildings and premises intended for the provision of rehabilitation and spa services.
Street peddling
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products by way of street peddling.
Retail Package Size Restrictions
Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package
The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes in packages of fewer than 20 sticks.
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 prohibits the sale of smokeless tobacco except for naswar. The Cabinet of Ministers is authorized to regulate naswar, which could include minimum weight requirements per unit package; however, such regulations have not been issued.
Retail Licensing Requirements
Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products
The law does not require a specific retail license to sell tobacco products.
To align with FCTC Art. 15, the law should require retailers to obtain a license to sell tobacco products.
