Trinidad and Tobago

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

Smoke Free Places

The law prohibits smoking in all indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and public transport.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

The law prohibits most forms of tobacco advertising and promotion, with exceptions for information advertising or brand-preference advertising in certain publications and on certain signs. There are also limited exceptions for brand marking, brand stretching, and “normal” trade rebates. Although sponsorship by the tobacco industry is not prohibited, publicity of the sponsorship is prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

The law requires rotating text and picture health warning covering at least 50 percent of the front and back surfaces of tobacco product packaging. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “light” and “low tar” and other signs, is prohibited.

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

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 contents and emissions of their products.

Sales Restrictions

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products via vending machines, the internet, and in the following locations: schools and educational facilities; sports, athletic, and recreational facilities; healthcare facilities; and government buildings. The law does not prohibit the sale of single cigarettes or small packets of cigarettes, although there is a minimum package size for the sale of smokeless tobacco. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

The Tobacco Control Act, 2009 is the primary law governing tobacco control in Trinidad and Tobago. Implementing legislation for this law includes the Tobacco Control Regulations, 2013, which set out specific guidance on packaging and labeling and cigarette dispensers (display units) at the point of sale. The Regulations were amended by the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Regulations, 2019.

Review Status

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