Malta

Malta became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on February 27, 2005.

Smoke Free Places

Smoking is prohibited in all public transport and in all indoor public places and workplaces, except individual hotel guestrooms and designated smoking areas in casinos. Smoking is prohibited in school yards, playgrounds, and public gardens in which there is playing equipment for children.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

The law prohibits most forms of tobacco advertising and promotion, while restricting forms such as product display, free distribution, and some international media. Although sponsorship by the tobacco industry is not completely prohibited, publicity of the sponsorship is prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

Packages of cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, and waterpipe tobacco are required to display rotating combined picture and text health warnings covering 65 percent of the front and back of the package. Packages of other smoked tobacco products must carry rotating text warnings covering 32 percent of front and 45 percent of the back of the package. Misleading packaging and labeling, which could include terms such as “light” and “low tar,” and other signs and symbols are prohibited.

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

The law regulates specified contents of cigarettes, including banning characterizing flavors, additives that facilitate inhalation or nicotine uptake, vitamins or other additives that create the impression that a product has a health benefit, and additives and stimulant compounds that are associated with energy and vitality. 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 in schools, healthcare facilities, and sports and athletic facilities, as well as the sale of cigarette packages with fewer than 20 cigarettes. There are some restrictions on sales of tobacco products via the internet and vending machines. The sale of smokeless tobacco is prohibited. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

E-Cigarettes

The sale of e-cigarettes is allowed. The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited in all public places except in designated smoking areas in casinos and certain hotel guestrooms, on public transport, and in private vehicles in the presence of a minor (under the age of 16). Most forms of e-cigarette advertising and promotion are prohibited, while the law restricts forms such as product display, free distribution, and some international media. Text health warnings are required to cover 32 percent of the front and back of e-cigarette packaging.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

The Tobacco (Smoking Control) Act of 1986 is the primary law governing tobacco control in Malta. It includes provisions addressing smoke free places; tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; and location-based sales restrictions. Several sets of regulations have been issued under the Act, including: (1) Tobacco Smoking Control (Powers of Authorised Officers) Regulations, 2009; (2) Products and Smoking Devices (Simulating Cigarettes or Tobacco) (Control) Regulations, 2010; (3) Smoking in Public Places Regulations, 2010; (4) Advertising and Promotion of Tobacco Products Regulations, 2010; (5) Manufacture, Presentation and Sale of Tobacco and Related Products Regulations, 2016 (as amended); (6) Smoking in Private Vehicles Regulations 2016.

Review Status

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