Last updated: August 26, 2024
Sales Restrictions
Sale of single cigarettes/sticks
The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes other than in their original package. Therefore, the law prohibits the sale of single cigarette sticks.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 in that the law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes.
Sale of tobacco products via vending machines
The law prohibits vending machine sales of tobacco products.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16 with respect to vending machine sales.
Sale of tobacco products via the internet
The sale of tobacco products via the internet is allowed. The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act (TAPA) 2002, as amended by Sec. 4(5) of the TAPA (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (adding Sec. 4(1B)), excludes the sale of tobacco products by internet from the definition of an advertisement. Therefore, the internet sale of tobacco products and their display on websites are allowed.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should prohibit internet tobacco product sales as internet sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.
Sale of smokeless tobacco products
The production and sale of "tobacco for oral use" is banned. "Tobacco for oral use" is defined as "a tobacco product which is - (a) intended for oral use, unless it is intended to be inhaled or chewed; and (b) in powder or particulate form or any combination of these forms, whether presented in a sachet portion or a porous sachet, or in any other way." However, other types of smokeless tobacco products are permitted. Therefore, the regulatory status code "Some Restrictions" is given.
Sale of waterpipe tobacco products
The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of waterpipe tobacco; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of waterpipe tobacco.
Location-based Sales Restrictions
Schools/educational facilities
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in schools/educational facilities.
Playgrounds
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds.
Stadiums/arenas
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas.
Healthcare facilities
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.
Cultural facilities
The law does not restrict the sale of tobacco products based on location; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.
Retail Package Size Restrictions
Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package
The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes in packages of fewer than 20 sticks.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 with respect to the sale of small packets of cigarettes.
Minimum weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package
The production and sale of tobacco for oral use is prohibited. The law does not specify a minimum weight requirement for other types of smokeless tobacco products.
Minimum weight of roll-your-own tobacco per unit package
The law prohibits the sale of roll-your-own tobacco ("hand rolling tobacco") in a unit package of less than 30 grams.
Retail Licensing Requirements
Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products
The law requires retail traders in tobacco products to obtain a license to sell tobacco products.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 15 in that the law requires retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.
