Syria

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

Smoke Free Places

While the law prohibits smoking in some workplaces, designated smoking areas are allowed in a number of these workplaces, and smoking is not prohibited in private workplaces. The law also prohibits smoking in many indoor public places; however, there are some exceptions where designated smoking areas are allowed. The law prohibits smoking in all means of public transport. However, designated smoking areas are permitted in public transport facilities.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

The law prohibits most direct and indirect forms of tobacco advertising and promotion. The law does not address sponsorship. 

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

The law requires that a text-only health warning covers 30 percent of the front of the package. Misleading terms such as “light” and “low” are prohibited on tobacco packaging, but other misleading packaging (e.g., colors, numbers, and symbols) is not prohibited. 

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

The law regulates specified contents in cigarettes, including restricting sugars and other flavorings such as fruit extracts, wine, and alcohol by weight. The law does not require that manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities information on the contents or emissions of their products.

Sales Restrictions

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in schools, stadiums, healthcare facilities, cultural facilities, public offices, and means of transportation. The law also prohibits the sale of tobacco products in open packages, which effectively bans the sale of single cigarettes, and via the internet. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

E-Cigarettes

The law bans the retail sale; use; and advertising, promotion and sponsorship of e-cigarettes.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

Legislative Decree No. 62 Banning Smoking and Sales in Public Places is the primary tobacco control law in Syria. It addresses the ban of smoking and sales of tobacco products in a list of areas; provides rules for smoking areas; provides some guidance on packaging and labeling; and bans publicity and advertisement of tobacco products or their use. The Decree also defines penalties for violations of its provisions. Packaging and labeling are also regulated under SNS 2656/2006, issued by the Syrian Arab Organization for Standardization and Metrology.

Ministry of Local Administration Circular No. 12 prohibits e-cigarette sale; use; and advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.

Review Status

This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff in consultation with in-country lawyers or tobacco control experts.