Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on August 11, 2011.

Smoke Free Places

The law prohibits smoking in all indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and public transport. Smoking is also prohibited in certain outdoor areas, such as parks, gardens, playgrounds, beaches, as well as cultural, educational, medical, and sports facilities. Smoking is also prohibited within 15 meters of the entrance of public transportation facilities.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

The law prohibits most forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. It is uncertain whether some forms, such as reverse brand stretching, may be permitted because the law does not use the definition of “tobacco advertising and promotion” from the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. All forms of financial or other tobacco sponsorship are prohibited. 

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

The law requires text warnings on 30 percent of the front and 50 percent of the back of all cigarette packages. Smokeless tobacco products must have a text warning that is no less than 30 percent of the front side of the pack. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “light” and “mild” and other signs, is prohibited. 

An amendment to the law will require, once in effect, graphic health warnings no less than 65 percent of the front and back of all smoked tobacco product packaging. Smoked tobacco products with non-traditional packs must have the graphic warnings printed on an insert. Smoked tobacco packages must carry the updated graphic and textual warnings twelve months after they are published.

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

The law does not grant the authority to regulate the contents of cigarettes. The law requires that manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities information on the contents of their products.

Sales Restrictions

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products via vending machines, the internet, and in stadiums, healthcare facilities, cultural facilities, within 100 meters of schools, and in other specified locations. The law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes. However, the law does not restrict the sale of small packets of cigarettes. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 21.

E-Cigarettes

The law prohibits the sale and advertising of e-cigarettes. It is uncertain whether the use of e-cigarettes is prohibited where smoking is prohibited.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

The Law on Protecting the Health of Citizens from the Effects of Tobacco Smoke and the Consequences of Tobacco Product Consumption is the primary law governing tobacco control in Turkmenistan. The law has been amended several times. Technical regulations regarding cigarette production, composition, packaging and labeling are controlled by TDS 596-2002, and its various amendments or “changes.” An early decree banning smoking in certain public places is the first known tobacco control law from Turkmenistan.

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.