Last updated: January 14, 2021

Sales Restrictions

Sale of single cigarettes/sticks

Banned
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Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes other than in packages containing “not less than the prescribed minimum number of cigarettes.” The prescribed number of cigarettes per package is 20 unless otherwise specified. This is interpreted as banning the sale of single cigarettes.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 in that the law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes.

Sale of tobacco products via vending machines

Banned
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Analysis

The law requires retailers to obtain a license to sell tobacco products, and the law states that no license may be granted for sale by vending machine. Therefore, 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

Banned
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Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products through the internet.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines with respect to internet sales of tobacco products.

Sale of smokeless tobacco products

Banned
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Sale of waterpipe tobacco products

Banned
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Location-based Sales Restrictions

Schools/educational facilities

Allowed
Analysis

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

Allowed
Analysis

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

Allowed
Analysis

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

Allowed
Analysis

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

Allowed
Analysis

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

Yes
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Analysis

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

Not Applicable
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Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of smokeless tobacco products. Therefore, this requirement is not applicable.

Retail Licensing Requirements

Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products

Yes
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Analysis

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.