Last updated: January 31, 2025

Penalties

Activities / Violations
Entities That Can Be Held Responsible
Sanction(s)

Advertising and Promotion

Manufacturers, Wholesalers, Importers, and any other person that violates advertising and sponsorship provisions

Fine
Gavel
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Enforcement Agency

Ministry of Health

Analysis

Manufacturers, wholesalers and importers that violate advertising and promotion provisions are subject to a fine of €45,000 Euros. The fine is increased to: 1) €135,000 for a second violation within 2 years, 2) €225,000 for a third violation within 3 years, and 3) €450,000 for a fourth violation within 5 years.

Any other person that violates advertising and promotion provisions is subject to a fine of €450. This fine is increased to: 1) €1,350 for second violation within 2 years, 2) €2,250 for a third offense within 3 years, and 3) €4,500 for a fourth offense within 5 years.

However, the violation may not be disposed of with an administrative fine if the administrative fine is significantly exceeded by the economic benefit obtained from the violation.

The provisions align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines in that penalties apply to entities as well as individuals and to officers and agents of corporations. However, to more fully align, license suspension and cancellation should also be considered as penalties.

Sponsorship

Manufacturers, Wholesalers, Importers, and any other person that violates advertising and sponsorship provisions

Fine
Gavel
Expand to view related litigation
Enforcement Agency

Ministry of Health

Analysis

Manufacturers, wholesalers and importers that violate advertising and promotion provisions are subject to a fine of €45,000 Euros. The fine is increased to: 1) €135,000 for a second violation within 2 years, 2) €225,000 for a third violation within 3 years, and 3) €450,000 for a fourth violation within 5 years.

Any other person that violates advertising and promotion provisions is subject to a fine of €450. This fine is increased to: 1) €1,350 for second violation within 2 years, 2) €2,250 for a third offense within 3 years, and 3) €4,500 for a fourth offense within 5 years.

However, the violation may not be disposed of with an administrative fine if the administrative fine is significantly exceeded by the economic benefit obtained from the violation.

The provisions align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines in that penalties apply to entities as well as individuals and to officers and agents of corporations. However, to more fully align, license suspension and cancellation should also be considered as penalties.