Venezuela

Venezuela became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on September 25, 2006.

Smoke Free Places

Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and public transportation.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

There is a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and promotion, including point of sale product display. In addition, all forms of tobacco sponsorship are prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

One of 12 authorized rotating and combined text and image warnings must appear on each package of cigarettes. The combined text and image must occupy 100 percent of one principal display area, and the text alone must occupy 30 percent of the other principal display area of the package. Warnings must be shown on the packaging of cigarettes only, not other tobacco products. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “low”, “ultra-low”, “mild”, and “light”, 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 the internet and vending machines, single cigarettes, and cigarettes in packs with fewer than 10 sticks. In addition, the law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in a number of locations, including educational, healthcare, athletic, and cultural facilities, among others. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

E-Cigarettes

The law bans the manufacture, storage, distribution, circulation, commercialization, advertising, promotion, sponsorship, import, export, use, consumption, and retail and wholesale consumption of e-cigarettes, including devices, refills, and other accessories.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

Ministry of Popular Power for Health Resolution No. 030 of March 2, 2011 prohibits smoking in indoor public places, indoor workplaces and public transport, and regulates posting of smoke-free signs and penalties for violations. Ministry of Health Resolution No. 004 of January 9, 2014 regulates the content, size and format of health warnings on cigarette packing. Ministry of Health Resolution No. 071 of July 18, 2019 regulates tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship and the sale of tobacco products. All Ministry of Health resolutions were issued pursuant to powers granted in the Organic Law on Health. Resolution No. 414 of June 28, 2023 is the primary legislation governing e-cigarettes. It bans the manufacture; storage; distribution; circulation; commercialization; advertising; promotion; sponsorship; import; export; use; consumption; and retail and wholesale consumption of e-cigarettes, including devices, refills, and other accessories, and heated tobacco products.

Review Status

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