Tanzania

Tanzania became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on July 29, 2007.

Smoke Free Places

Designated smoking areas or rooms are allowed in all indoor public places, workplaces and on public transport. Sub-national jurisdictions may pass more stringent legislation than the national law.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

The law prohibits tobacco advertising and promotion via domestic and cross-border TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, and internet communications. Other forms of advertising are permitted, such as some outdoor advertising, advertising at the point of sale, and product display. There are some restrictions on tobacco sponsorship and the publicity of such sponsorship.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

One of ten authorized text-only health messages must be displayed on 30 percent of the front and back surfaces of tobacco product packaging. (The sale of smokeless tobacco products is prohibited.) The law prohibits packaging that is likely to create an erroneous impression about the characteristics or health hazards of the tobacco product or its emissions, but the law could be strengthened by specifically prohibiting terms, numbers, colors, and figurative or other signs that may be misleading or deceptive.

Cigarette Contents

The law grants the authority to regulate the contents of cigarettes; however, no subsequent regulations have been issued. The law requires that manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities information on the emissions of their products.

Sales Restrictions

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products via vending machines and in schools, playgrounds, healthcare facilities and other specified places. However, there are no restrictions on the sale of tobacco products via the internet.  The law prohibits the sale of smokeless tobacco and the sale of tobacco products to persons under the age of 18.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

The Tobacco Products (Regulation) Act, 2003 is the primary piece of tobacco control legislation in Tanzania. It regulates public smoking; tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; and tobacco packaging and labeling. The Minister for Health and Social Welfare has issued one set of regulations under the Act – the Tobacco Products Regulations 2014.

Review Status

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