Latvia

Latvia became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on May 11, 2005.

Smoke Free Places

The law prohibits smoking in most workplaces and public places. However, designated smoking areas are permitted in several places, including prisons, hotel guest rooms, casinos, games rooms, and departure halls of international airports. The law prohibits smoking in most public transport but allows smoking on long-distance trains and passenger ships in separate smoking cars or cabins.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

The law generally prohibits the advertising of tobacco products, with some exceptions for cross-border communications outside of the European Union. Product display is prohibited except at duty-free shops, ships on international voyages, and specialist shops exclusively selling tobacco. There are some restrictions on tobacco sponsorship and the publicity of such sponsorship.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

On smoked tobacco products, the law requires rotating pictorial health warnings to cover 65 percent of the front and back of the pack. On smokeless tobacco products, the law requires a text-only health warning to cover 30 percent of the two largest surfaces of the pack. Misleading packaging and labeling, which could include 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 characterizing flavors; and ingredients that facilitate nicotine uptake, create the impression of health benefits, or are associated with energy and vitality; among others. 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 tobacco products via vending machines and the internet, small packets of cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco products. In addition, the law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in educational, health, cultural, and sporting facilities. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

E-Cigarettes

The sale of e-cigarettes is allowed. The law prohibits the use of e-cigarettes in places where smoking is prohibited, which includes most indoor workplaces, indoor public places, and means of public transport. The law restricts e-cigarette advertising, promotion and sponsorship and product display at points of sale. A text-only health warning is required to cover 30 percent of the product package.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

The Law on Trade in Tobacco Products, Herbal Smoking Products, Electronic Smoking Devices and Associated Liquids is the primary law on tobacco control and covers many aspects of tobacco control, including but not limited to: restrictions on smoking in public places, production and sale of tobacco products, and tobacco packaging and labeling measures. The 2016 law has been amended several times. This law replaced the 1997 Law on Restrictions Regarding Sale, Advertising and Use of Tobacco Products.

In addition to the Law on Trade in Tobacco Products, Herbal Smoking Products, Electronic Smoking Devices and Associated Liquids, tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship are regulated by the Advertising Law (as amended) and the Electronic Mass Media Law (as amended).

The Regulation on the Requirements for Health Warnings to be Placed on Packaging contains detailed requirements about the health warnings to appear on different types of tobacco products and e-cigarettes.

Review Status

This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff. No in-country lawyers or tobacco control experts reviewed our analysis.