Last updated: May 23, 2022
Sales Restrictions
Sale of single cigarettes/sticks
The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of single cigarette sticks; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of single cigarette sticks.
To align with FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit the sale of single cigarettes as this increases the affordability of cigarettes to minors.
Sale of tobacco products via vending machines
Vending machine sales of tobacco products are prohibited except if (1) the vending machine has a mechanism for age verification; or (2) the vending machines are at points of sale.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 in that it prohibits vending machine sales to minors. To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should prohibit all 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 does not specifically prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products through the internet; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting internet tobacco product sales.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should prohibit internet tobacco product sales as internet sales are an inherent form of advertising and promotion.
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 prohibits the sale or distribution of tobacco products within 100 meters from any point of the perimeter of a school, public playground, or other facility frequented by minors.
Playgrounds
The law prohibits the sale or distribution of tobacco products within 100 meters from any point of the perimeter of a school, public playground, or other facility frequented by minors.
Stadiums/arenas
The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas.
Healthcare facilities
The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.
Cultural facilities
The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.
Youth hostels
The law prohibits the sale or distribution of tobacco products within 100 meters from any point of the perimeter of a school, public playground, youth hostel, or other facility frequented by minors.
Retail Package Size Restrictions
Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package
The law requires that cigarettes be packed "in twenties" and prohibits the sale of other packaging combinations of not more than 20.
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 does not require a minimum weight per unit package of smokeless tobacco.
Retail Licensing Requirements
Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products
The law does not require a specific retail license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.
To align with FCTC Art. 15, the law should require retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.
