Last updated: July 26, 2021
Sales Restrictions
Sale of single cigarettes/sticks
The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes "except in a package which shall be intact and contain a minimum of 20 sticks." This is interpreted as prohibiting the sale of single cigarettes.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 in that the law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes.
Sale of tobacco products via vending machines
The National Tobacco Control Act, Sec. 12(1), provides for a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and promotion, stating: "no person shall promote or advertise tobacco or tobacco products in any form." Further, the First Schedule of the Act lists forms of tobacco advertising and promotion that are prohibited, including "sales of tobacco products through vending machines." Section 12(2)(b) exempts from the comprehensive ban all communications between tobacco manufacturers, retailers, and any "consenting person who is 18 years or above." Because it is technically possible for tobacco manufacturers to require consent and request to verify age prior to a vending machine purchase of a tobacco product, the regulatory status code "Some Restrictions" is given.
However, to date, implementing regulations necessary to clarify what a "consenting" adult means have not been issued by the Ministry of Health or received the necessary subsequent approval from both Houses of the National Assembly.
To align with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit vending machine sales of tobacco products as such sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.
Sale of tobacco products via the internet
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products through the internet.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines with respect to internet sales of tobacco products.
Sale of smokeless tobacco products
The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of smokeless tobacco products; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of smokeless tobacco products.
Sale of waterpipe tobacco products
The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of waterpipe tobacco; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of waterpipe tobacco.
Location-based Sales Restrictions
Schools/educational facilities
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in schools/educational facilities.
Playgrounds
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds.
Stadiums/arenas
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas.
Healthcare facilities
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.
Cultural facilities
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.
Retail Package Size Restrictions
Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package
The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes "except in a package which shall be intact and contain a minimum of 20 sticks."
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 with respect to the sale of small packets of cigarettes.
Minimum weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package
The law requires smokeless tobacco product packages to contain a minimum of 30 grams of smokeless tobacco.
Retail Licensing Requirements
Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products
The law does not require a retailer of tobacco products to obtain a license. Only manufacturers, importers, and whole distributors need obtain a license.
To align with FCTC Art. 15, the law should require retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.