Last updated: May 26, 2022
Penalties
Manufacturer
(e.g., seizure of the product, publication of the violation/violator)
The law does not permit the manufacture of tobacco or its derivatives in Qatar.
Nonetheless, anyone who violates the labeling and health warnings requirements is subject to imprisonment for no longer than six months, a fine of no more than 100,000 Riyals, or both. Violations shall be published in two daily newspapers. In addition, the court may order the seizure and destruction of products in violation.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in that it imposes penalties on manufacturers who violate packaging and labeling provisions. To more fully align, the penalty provisions also should provide for cumulative application for repeat offenses if appropriate.
Importer
(e.g., seizure of the product, publication of the violation/violator)
The law states that anyone who violates the labeling and health warnings requirements is subject to imprisonment for no longer than six months, a fine of no more than 100,000 Riyals, or both. Violations shall be published in two daily newspapers. In addition, the court may order the seizure and destruction of products in violation and the closure of the place where the violation occurred for one to three months.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in that it imposes penalties on retailers who violate packaging and labeling provisions. To more fully align, the penalty provisions also should provide for cumulative application for repeat offenses if appropriate.
Wholesaler
(e.g., seizure of the product, publication of the violation/violator)
The law states that anyone who violates the labeling and health warnings requirements is subject to imprisonment for no longer than six months, a fine of no more than 100,000 Riyals, or both. Violations shall be published in two daily newspapers. In addition, the court may order the seizure and destruction of products in violation and the closure of the place where the violation occurred for one to three months.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in that it imposes penalties on retailers who violate packaging and labeling provisions. To more fully align, the penalty provisions also should provide for cumulative application for repeat offenses if appropriate.
Retailer
(e.g., seizure of the product, publication of the violation/violator)
The law states that anyone who violates the labeling and health warnings requirements is subject to imprisonment for no longer than six months, a fine of no more than 100,000 Riyals, or both. Violations shall be published in two daily newspapers. In addition, the court may order the seizure and destruction of products in violation and the closure of the place where the violation occurred for one to three months.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 11 and the FCTC Art. 11 Guidelines in that it imposes penalties on retailers who violate packaging and labeling provisions. To more fully align, the penalty provisions also should provide for cumulative application for repeat offenses if appropriate.
