Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on February 27, 2005.

Smoke Free Places

Smoking is prohibited in some indoor places, including hospitals, health clinics, primary and secondary schools, and most forms of public transport. In other indoor workplaces, the law prohibits smoking generally, but permits owners/occupiers to create designated smoking areas within indoor workplaces. Public transport is smoke free with the exception of commercial watercraft, on which outdoor smoking areas may be designated.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

The law prohibits most forms of tobacco advertising and promotion, though some notable forms are not restricted, including point of sale product display, reverse brand stretching, and retailer incentive programs. Although sponsorship by the tobacco industry is not prohibited, there are some restrictions on the publicity of the sponsorship.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

Rotating health warnings are required to appear on 70 percent of the front and 30 percent of the back of tobacco product packaging. Health warnings on the front surface must include picture and text, and health warnings on the back surface are text-only. The types of warnings required to appear on the packaging of smokeless tobacco products is uncertain. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “light” and “low tar” and other signs, is prohibited.

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

The law restricts the use of inks and pigments in cigarettes. In addition, the Minister of Health can make a declaration to prohibit the sale or distribution of a tobacco product if the tobacco product has (a) a distinctive fruity, sweet, or confectionery-like character; (b) a spicy or herb-like flavor; or (c) any other flavor which, in the opinion of the Minister, is likely to appeal to a child. However, no such declarations have been made to date. The law requires that manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities information on the contents and emissions of their products.

Sales Restrictions

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products via vending machine, single cigarettes, and small packs of cigarettes. However, there are no restrictions on the sale of tobacco products via the internet or based on location. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

The Tobacco Control Act 2010 is the primary piece of legislation regulating tobacco control in the Solomon Islands. Its provisions include restrictions on smoking in indoor places and on public transport; restrictions on tobacco advertising and promotion; and packaging and labeling requirements. The commencement date of the Act was established as May 31, 2012 by Legal Notice No. 34. The Tobacco Control Regulations 2013 were issued by the Minister for Health and Medical Services in December 2013. The regulations contain detailed requirements around health warnings on packaging, testing, and smoke-free signage.

Review Status

This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff. No in-country lawyers or tobacco control experts reviewed our analysis.