Moldova

Moldova became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on May 4, 2009.

Smoke Free Places

The law prohibits smoking in all enclosed and semi-enclosed public places and workplaces as well as all public places managed by healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and local public authorities. Designated smoking areas are permitted in semi-open places, which are defined as any place that is less than 50 percent enclosed. Smoking is prohibited on all means of public transportation, including taxis. With respect to outdoor places, the law prohibits smoking at amusement parks; children’s playground; and in outdoor areas managed by healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and central and local authorities. The law also prohibits smoking within 10 meters of an entrance to an enclosed public place, including windows or air intake units.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

There is a ban on nearly all direct and indirect forms of tobacco advertising and promotion. Although sponsorship by the tobacco industry is not completely prohibited, publicity of the sponsorship is prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

Packaging of cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, and waterpipe tobacco must bear a pictorial health warning covering 65 percent of the front and back of each pack. The 14 available warnings are displayed in sets of seven which rotate annually. In addition, two of the lateral sides must contain a general text warning taking up 30 percent of each lateral side. For other smoked tobacco products, a general warning must be printed on 30 percent of the most visible surface, while the text warning must be printed covering 40 percent of the next most visible surface. Misleading packaging and labeling, which includes terms such as “light” and “medium” and other signs, is prohibited.

Cigarette Contents

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 and the public information on the contents and emissions of their products

Sales Restrictions

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products via vending machines, single cigarettes, small packets of cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco products. Commercial establishments that are less than 20 square meters must be located at least 200 meters from educational and healthcare 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 use of e-cigarettes is prohibited where smoking is prohibited, which includes all indoor public places, workplaces, and public transport. Most forms of advertising and promotion of e-cigarettes are prohibited. Health warnings are required on at least 30 percent of the two largest surfaces of e-cigarette product packaging. The law bans specific ingredients, including but not limited to, vitamins and other ingredients that create the impression of health benefits, caffeine, additives having coloring properties, and additives that contribute to toxicity.

Heated Tobacco Products

The sale of heated tobacco products (HTPs) is allowed. The law prohibits smoking HTPs in all indoor public places, workplaces, and public transport. The law bans nearly all forms of advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco inserts and devices. The law also prohibits the tobacco industry from publicizing sponsorship or charitable contributions. Text-only health warnings are required to cover 30 percent of the front and back of tobacco insert packaging. Health warnings on packaging for devices are not required.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

Law No. 278-XVI of December 14, 2007 on Tobacco Control 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 law was amended several times and regulates e-cigarettes and tobacco products, including HTPs. Decision No. 613 approves regulations for the implementation of health warnings on packaging of e-cigarettes and tobacco products, including HTPs, roll-your-own tobacco, and related products. Additionally, the Law No. 1227-XIII of June 27, 1999 on Advertising (as amended) duplicates many of the advertising restrictions. The Contravention Code of the Republic of Moldova, Law No. 218-XVI, contains the penalties for violations of the tobacco control laws.

Review Status

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