Poland

Poland became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on December 14, 2006.

Smoke Free Places

Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public places and indoor workplaces, including, primary and secondary educational facilities, cultural and recreational facilities, sports facilities, and many healthcare facilities. Designated smoking rooms are permitted in other indoor public places and indoor workplaces, including dining and entertainment establishments, hotels, facilities serving travelers, assisted living facilities and nursing homes, and higher education institutions. Smoking is prohibited on all forms of public transport. Sub-national jurisdictions may adopt legislation prohibiting smoking in places not addressed in the national law.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

The law provides a nearly comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and promotion. At point of sale, products may be displayed but not within reach of the consumer. There are some restrictions on tobacco sponsorship; however, any publicity of sponsorship is prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

For smoked tobacco products, rotating, pictorial health warnings must occupy 65 percent of the front and back surfaces of the package. For smokeless tobacco products, a text-only health warning must occupy 30 percent of the two largest surfaces of the package. Misleading packaging and labeling, which could include terms such as “light” and “low tar” and other signs, is prohibited.

Cigarette Contents

The law regulates specified contents of cigarettes, including banning products that have a characteristic aroma; ingredients that facilitate the inhalation or absorption of nicotine; vitamins or other additives which give the impression of health benefits or reduced health risks; and caffeine, taurine, or other additives and stimulants associated with energy and vitality. 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 single cigarettes, small packs of cigarettes, and the sale of tobacco products by vending machine and via the internet. In addition, the law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in schools/education facilities, sports and recreational facilities, and healthcare facilities. The law prohibits the sale of tobacco for oral use (which is defined to exclude tobacco products intended for inhalation or chewing). The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18. 

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

The Act of November 9, 1995 on Protection of Public Health Against the Effects of Tobacco Use is the primary law on tobacco control and covers many aspects of tobacco control, including, but not limited to: restrictions on smoking in public places; sales to minors; production and sale of smokeless tobacco products; tobacco packaging and labeling; tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; cigarette contents and required disclosures; and sanctions for violations of provisions of this Act. The Act was amended several times, and was most recently consolidated in July 2024 and amended in February 2025. Decrees have been issued by the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration to regulate smoking specifically in facilities under these ministries.

Review Status

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