Ethiopia became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on June 23, 2014.

Smoke Free Places: Smoking and the use of any tobacco product is prohibited in any part of all indoor public places, workplaces and on all means of public transport. Smoking is also prohibited in outdoor areas of schools and universities, government facilities, youth centers, amusement parks, among other places. It is prohibited to establish a designated smoking area in any place where smoking is prohibited. Sub-national jurisdictions may enact smoke free laws that are more stringent than the national law.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: All indirect or direct forms of tobacco advertising and promotion are prohibited. However, the law excludes legitimate forms of expression recognized by the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines that could be construed as advertising such as trade newsletters, legitimate journalist or artistic expression, among other things. All forms of financial or other tobacco sponsorship are prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: Rotating text and pictorial health warnings are required to cover 70 percent of the front and the back of tobacco product packaging. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such 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 Ethiopia are well below these recommendations.