Mongolia

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

Smoke Free Places

The law restricts smoking in most indoor workplaces to authorized smoking areas. Smoking is prohibited in all public transport vehicles and in certain enumerated workplaces and public places, including but not limited to entertainment and public services areas, public areas of hotels, educational facilities, hospitals, health resorts, and lobbies.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

The law prohibits most forms of tobacco advertising and promotion. However, point of sale product display, direct person-to-person advertising, and unpaid depiction of tobacco products or use are allowed. All forms of tobacco sponsorship are prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

On the packaging and labeling of cigarettes, the law requires picture health warnings covering 65 percent of the front and back surfaces. On the packaging and labeling of pipe tobacco and similar bulk tobacco, picture health warnings are required on 65 percent of the front surface. The health warning requirements for smokeless tobacco products are uncertain. 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 does not grant the authority to regulate the contents of cigarettes. The law does not require that manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities information on the contents or emissions of their products.

Sales Restrictions

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products by vending machine and the internet, single cigarettes, and small packs of cigarettes. In addition, the law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in entertainment areas, bars, and within 500 meters of secondary schools and student dormitories. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 21.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

Enacted in 2005 and amended most recently in 2015, the Tobacco Control Law is the primary piece of legislation on tobacco control in Mongolia. The law’s provisions address: guiding principles for the legislation; basic duties of the state, citizen, and legal entity; the regulation of tobacco manufacturing, trade, use in public places, and advertising; financing of the legislation; and provisions on liability and enforcement.

There are two sets of technical standards which accompany the law. Standard MNS 5024:2013 on General Technical Requirements for Cigarettes addresses production, packaging, labeling, quality control, storage, transportation, and sale of cigarettes, including mandatory health warnings. Standard MNS 6274: 2013 addresses these same issues for pipe tobacco. Ministry of Health Order No. A/09 contains an updated round of health warnings.

Review Status

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