Last updated: March 6, 2023

Penalties

Sanctions

Sales Restrictions

Fine, Jail, Other

(e.g., seizure of the product, publication of the violation/violator)

Analysis

A violation of the ban on single stick sales is subject to imprisonment of one month to one year or a fine of five hundred thousand (500,000) to ten million (10,000,000) FCFA, or both. In addition, courts may order the confiscation and destruction of products with non-compliant packaging or shut down the sales establishment.

A violation of the ban on internet sales is subject to imprisonment of one month to two years or a fine of five million (5,000,000) to fifteen million (15,000,000) FCFA, or both. In cases of repeat offenses of any of these provisions, fines and punishment may be doubled. In addition, courts may order the confiscation and destruction of all advertising, promotional or sponsorship items and materials and the publication of the judgment in a national daily paper at the expense of the offender.

A violation of the ban on vending machine sales is subject to a fine of 100,000 to 1 million FCFA.

Location-based Sales Restrictions

Fine
Analysis

A violation of location-based sales restrictions is subject to a fine of 100,000 to 1 million FCFA.

Minimum Retail Package Size

Fine, Business License suspension or revocation, Jail, Other

(e.g., seizure of the product, publication of the violation/violator)

Analysis

A violation of minimum retail package size requirements is subject to one month to one year in prison, a fine of 500,000 to 10 million FCFA, or both. In addition, violators may be subject to confiscation and destruction of tobacco products and permit revocation. In the case of repeat offenses, fines may be doubled.

Minimum Legal Sales Age

Other

(e.g., seizure of the product, publication of the violation/violator)

Analysis

A violation of the minimum legal sales age is subject to a fine of 100,000 to 1 million FCFA. In the case of repeat offenses, fines may be doubled.