Namibia became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on February 5, 2006.

 

Smoke Free Places: Smoking is prohibited in virtually all indoor public places and indoor workplaces, and on all means of public transportation. Smoking is also prohibited in certain outdoor areas including: (1) outdoor areas of private dwellings used for any commercial childcare activity or for schooling or tutoring; and (2) outdoor areas a distance of two meters from windows, ventilation inlets, and entrances and exits of public places and workplaces.

 

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: Nearly all forms of tobacco advertising and promotion are prohibited.  The law, however, allows point of sale product display.  There are some restrictions on tobacco sponsorship and the publicity of such sponsorship.

 

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: Rotating health warnings are comprised of text and pictures and cover 50 percent of the front and 60 percent of the back of packages. The use of misleading terms, descriptors, and other signs that directly or indirectly creates an impression that one tobacco product is less harmful than another on tobacco product packaging is banned. Qualitative statements on constituents and emissions are required. However, the law also requires that the emission yields such as tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide be displayed on tobacco product packaging and this may mislead consumers into believing one tobacco product is safer than another.

 

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 Namibia are well below these recommendations.