Last updated: June 30, 2020

Sales Restrictions

Sale of single cigarettes/sticks

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not address the sale of single cigarettes; therefore the law is interpreted as allowing single cigarettes sales.

To align with FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit the sale of single cigarettes as this increases the affordability of cigarettes to minors.

Sale of tobacco products via vending machines

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products anywhere except for tobacco shops that have obtained the required permit. Therefore, vending machine tobacco sales are prohibited.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16 (sales to minors) with respect to vending machines.

Sale of tobacco products via the internet

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not specifically prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products through the internet; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting internet tobacco product sales. The law does prohibit the sale of tobacco products anywhere except for tobacco shops that have obtained the required permit. Absent an explicit ban on the sale of tobacco products through the internet, however, this requirement is not interpreted as prohibiting internet tobacco product sales.

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

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of smokeless tobacco products; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of smokeless tobacco products.

Sale of waterpipe tobacco products

Banned
Analysis

The import, distribution, sale, and use of waterpipe tobacco (shisha, hookah, and similar devices) are prohibited.

Location-based Sales Restrictions

Schools/educational facilities

Banned
Analysis

The sale of tobacco and tobacco products is banned in, and within 200 meters of, preschools, schools, vocational institutes, and university institutions.

Playgrounds

Uncertain
Analysis

The sale of tobacco and tobacco products is banned in, and within 200 meters of, athletic infrastructures. Because it is uncertain whether playgrounds would be considered athletic infrastructures, the regulatory status code, “Uncertain,” is given.
 

Stadiums/arenas

Banned
Analysis

The sale of tobacco and tobacco products is banned in, and within 200 meters of, athletic facilities.

Healthcare facilities

Banned
Analysis

The sale of tobacco and tobacco products is banned in, and within 200 meters of, healthcare facilities.

Cultural facilities

Banned
Analysis

The sale of tobacco and tobacco products is banned in, and within 200 meters of, cultural facilities.

Retail Package Size Restrictions

Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package

No
Analysis

The law does not regulate the minimum number of cigarettes sticks per unit package.

To align with FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit the sale of small packets of cigarettes which increase the affordability to minors.

Minimum weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package

No
Analysis

The law does not require a minimum weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package.

Retail Licensing Requirements

Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products

Yes
Analysis

The law requires retail traders in tobacco products to obtain a permit 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.