Last updated: August 18, 2020
Penalties
Sales Restrictions
Violations of the sales restrictions for vending machines and internet sales are punishable by the following penalties:
(1) for the first offense, a fine of R100,000 or imprisonment of up to three years;
(2) for subsequent offenses, a fine of R 150,000 and imprisonment of up to three years.
Violations of the ban on the sale of single cigarettes are punishable by a “spot fine” of R5,000. If the violator does not pay the spot fine, he/she is liable upon conviction for a fine up to R20,000.
The Ministry of Health is responsible for the enforcement of these provisions.
Location-based Sales Restrictions
Tobacco sales are not restricted by location; therefore, there are no associated penalties.
Minimum Retail Package Size
Violations of the minimum retail package size are punishable by a “spot fine” of R5,000. If the violator does not pay the spot fine, he/she is liable upon conviction for a fine up to R20,000.
The Ministry of Health is responsible for the enforcement of this provision.
Minimum Legal Sales Age
Violations of the ban on sales to persons below the age of 18 are punishable by the following penalties:
(1) for the first offense, a fine between R5,000 and R10,000 or imprisonment of up to two years;
(2) for the second offense, a fine between R10,000 and R15,000 or imprisonment of up to three years;
(3) for subsequent offenses, a fine between R15,000 and R20,000 and imprisonment of up to three years.
The Ministry of Health is responsible for the enforcement of this provision.
