Kazakhstan became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on April 22, 2007.

Smoke Free Places: The law prohibits smoking in most indoor workplaces and public places. However, smoking is permitted in designated areas of restaurants and public transport facilities. Smoking is prohibited on all public transport, including in aircraft, on buses, taxis, subways, watercraft, and rail transport.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: The law prohibits most forms of tobacco advertising and promotion, including point of sale product display. However, some forms are likely not covered by the ban, including free distribution, direct person-to-person targeting, and retailer incentive programs. Although sponsorship by the tobacco industry is not completely prohibited, publicity of the sponsorship is prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: On packaging of smoked tobacco products, rotating picture and text health warnings are required to cover 50 percent of the front and back of packaging. The law prohibits the sale of smokeless tobacco products. 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 Kazakhstan are well below these recommendations.