Last updated: February 6, 2024

Sales Restrictions

Sale of single cigarettes/sticks

Banned
Analysis

Law No. 040-2010, Art. 25, states: "The sale of cigarettes other than in packs containing at least twenty cigarettes is forbidden." This is interpreted as banning the sale of single cigarette sticks.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 in that the law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes.

Sale of tobacco products via vending machines

Banned
Analysis

The law specifically forbids the sale of tobacco products by automatic vending machines or by any other means that allows direct access to tobacco products.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16 in this respect.

Sale of tobacco products via the internet

Banned
Analysis

Article 24 of the law specifically prohibits the sale of tobacco products "over the internet or by any other means that does not allow for verification of the age of the buyer."

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines with respect to prohibiting internet tobacco product sales.

Sale of smokeless tobacco products

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of smokeless tobacco products; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of smokeless tobacco products.

Sale of waterpipe tobacco products

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of waterpipe tobacco; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of waterpipe tobacco.

Location-based Sales Restrictions

Schools/educational facilities

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco and tobacco products within or in the vicinity of (400 meter radius from the school limits) school spaces.

Playgrounds

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds.

Stadiums/arenas

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas.

Healthcare facilities

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.

Cultural facilities

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.

Retail Package Size Restrictions

Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package

Yes
Analysis

The sale of cigarettes other than in packs containing at least twenty cigarettes is forbidden.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 with respect to the sale of small packets of cigarettes.

Minimum weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package

No
Analysis

The law does not require a minimum weight per unit package of smokeless tobacco.

Retail Licensing Requirements

Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products

No
Analysis

The law does not require a specific retail license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.

To align with FCTC Art. 15, the law should require retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.