Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos is a British Overseas Territory and, as such, falls under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom. The UK became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on March 16, 2005; however, the WHO FCTC has not been extended to Turks and Caicos.

Smoke Free Places

The law prohibits smoking in most indoor public places and workplaces, with exceptions for smoking areas in tobacco specialty shops and airports. In addition, smoking is prohibited on all means of public transport.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

The law generally prohibits the advertising and promotion of tobacco products. Although sponsorship by the tobacco industry is not completely prohibited, publicity of the sponsorship is prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

The law requires pictorial health warnings covering 50 percent of the front and back 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 and the public 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 schools, stadiums, and healthcare facilities. The law restricts the sale of tobacco products at cultural facilities. The law prohibits the sale of smokeless tobacco in unit packages weighing less than 20 grams. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

Enacted in 2015, the Tobacco Control Ordinance is the primary piece of legislation on tobacco control in Turks and Caicos. The law’s provisions address the establishment of an administrative unit for tobacco control; licensing requirements; prohibitions (including on smoke free areas, sales to minors, self-service, public displays, locations of sales, and toy or candy cigarettes); advertising, promotion and sponsorship; packaging and labeling; disclosures requirements; and sanctions and other administrative issues. The Tobacco Control Regulations 2017 prescribe further requirements for licensing; allowable distance for smoking from prohibited areas; the designation of outdoor smoking areas, in-store smoking areas and airport smoking areas; and signage requirements.

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.