Iceland became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on February 27, 2005.

 

Smoke Free Places: Smoking is prohibited in certain public places and workplaces, although smoking rooms are allowed in many of these places.  Smoking is entirely prohibited in schools and other children’s facilities. In healthcare facilities, smoking is generally prohibited with the exception of patient rooms in nursing homes and smoking rooms for patients only in hospitals. In other public places, smoking is prohibited in “service areas”; however, smoking rooms are permitted for staff in areas to which the public does not have access. In business premises, smoking rooms are permitted in areas to which the public does not have access. Smoking is also permitted in designated hotel guestrooms. Smoking is generally prohibited in public transport. However, on passenger ships, designated smoking rooms are permitted for staff.

 

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: There is a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and promotion. Product display and visibility at point of sale is prohibited, except at specialist tobacco shops. Most forms of tobacco sponsorship are prohibited, with the limited exception of certain unpublicized contributions by the tobacco industry.

 

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: Packaging and labeling of smoked tobacco products must display one of two “general” text warnings covering 30 percent of the front of the pack, and one of fourteen “combined” text and image warnings covering 40 percent of the back of the pack. Chewing tobacco must carry a text warning occupying 30 percent of the most visible surface of the package. Smokeless tobacco products, other than chewing tobacco, are prohibited.  Misleading terms, trademarks and figurative or other signs suggesting that the product is less harmful than other tobacco products are 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 Iceland are well below these recommendations.