Argentina is not a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Argentina signed the FCTC on September 25, 2003, but has not ratified the treaty.
Smoke Free Places: Smoking is prohibited in indoor workplaces, indoor public places, and public transport, except for: 1) enclosed private office space that is not shared with other workers and is not used for public services; 2) clubs for smokers of tobacco products; and 3) tobacco shops. Smoking also is prohibited on outdoor patios, terraces, and balconies of healthcare facilities and primary and secondary educational facilities, and under areas covered with a roof that are intended for public gathering. Sub-national jurisdictions may enact smoke free laws that are more stringent than the national law.
Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: Almost all forms of tobacco advertising and promotion are prohibited, except for: 1) some limited signage at points of sale, and 2) some direct communication of exclusively informational content to consenting persons over 18 years of age. Permitted advertising must contain health warnings on 20 percent of the advertising surface. All forms of tobacco sponsorship are prohibited.
Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: Rotating pictorial health warnings must occupy 50 percent of principal display areas. An image and accompanying text must appear on the lower 50 percent of the front of the package and an accompanying text-only message must appear on the lower 50 percent of the back of the package. The set of 10 health messages and images must be updated every 12 to 24 months. Fifty percent of one side of the tobacco product package must contain information about the free service for quitting smoking that is provided by the Ministry of Health. Misleading packaging and labeling, including such terms as “light” and “low tar” and other signs, is prohibited.
Tobacco Taxation and Prices: The World Health Organization recommends raising tobacco excise taxes so that they account for at least 70 percent of retail prices. Tobacco excise taxes in Argentina are below these recommendations.
| SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENTS COMPLETE SMOKING BAN | |
|---|---|
|
Health-care facilities
Yes
|
Private offices
No
|
|
Primary and secondary schools
Yes
|
Public transport
Yes
|
|
Universities
Yes
|
Restaurants
Yes
|
|
Governmental facilities
Yes
|
Bars and Pubs
No
|
|
Can subnational jurisdictions enact more stringent smoking restrictions?
Yes
|
|
| BANS ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, AND SPONSORSHIP | |
|---|---|
|
Domestic TV and radio
Yes
|
Promotional discounts
Yes
|
|
Domestic magazines and newspapers
Yes
|
Non-tobacco products or services with tobacco brand names
Yes
|
|
Outdoor advertising
Yes
|
Tobacco products with non-tobacco brand names
Yes
|
|
Outdoor advertising (e.g., billboards, posters)
No
|
Paid placement in media
Yes
|
|
Retail product display
No
|
Financial sponsorship, including corporate social responsibility
Yes
|
|
Internet advertising
Yes
|
Publicity of sponsorships
Yes
|
|
Free distribution
Yes
|
|
| HEALTH WARNINGS ON SMOKED TOBACCO PRODUCTS | |
|---|---|
|
Text warnings describe health impacts
Yes
|
Number of published warnings at any given time
10
|
|
Warnings include a picture or graphic
Yes
|
Warnings required to rotate
Required
|
|
% of principal display areas covered (front and back)
50%
|
Warnings are written in the principal language(s)
Yes
|
|
Front
50%
|
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling
Yes
|
|
Back
50%
|
Health warnings on smokeless tobacco products
Yes
|
| TOBACCO TAXATION AND PRICE | |
|---|---|
| PRICE OF MOST SOLD BRAND, PACK OF 20 CIGARETTES | TAXES ON MOST SOLD BRAND (% OF RETAIL PRICE) |
|
In country currency
141.00
ARS
|
Total taxes
77%
|
|
In US dollars
1.95
USD
|
Total excise
55%
|
Sources:
SF, APS, PL: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Legal Website. Available at: www.tobaccocontrollaws.org
Tax: WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2021. Available at: www.who.int/tobacco/global_report/en/
Last updated: February 3, 2020