Mauritania

Mauritania became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on January 26, 2006.

Smoke Free Places

The law prohibits smoking in all indoor public places and public transport without exception, but does not explicitly prohibit smoking in workplaces.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

The law broadly bans tobacco advertising and promotion, but does not explicitly address international channels or prohibit point of sale product display. Although sponsorship by the tobacco industry is not completely prohibited, publicity of the sponsorship is prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

All tobacco product packages must display rotating combined pictorial and text health warnings on at least 70 percent of the front and back surfaces. 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 sugars and sweeteners; menthol, mint, or spearmint; spices and herbs; other flavorings; and ingredients that create the impression of health benefits. 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 in schools and healthcare facilities. However, there are no restrictions on the sale of tobacco products via the internet or the sale of single cigarettes or small packets of cigarettes. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

Law No. 2018-020 Concerning the Production, Importation, Distribution, Sale, Advertising, Promotion and Consumption of Tobacco and its Products is the primary piece of tobacco control legislation and supersedes earlier provisions at variance with it. Order No. 64/MS establishes the health warnings to be displayed on tobacco product packaging and sets other packaging and labeling requirements.

Review Status

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