Last updated: September 14, 2021
Sales Restrictions
Sale of single cigarettes/sticks
The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of single cigarette sticks; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of single cigarette sticks.
To align with FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit the sale of single cigarettes as this increases the affordability of cigarettes to minors.
Sale of tobacco products via vending machines
The law does not specifically prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products by vending machines; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting tobacco product sales through vending machines.
To align with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit vending machine sales of tobacco products as such sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.
Sale of tobacco products via the internet
The law does not specifically prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products through the internet; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting internet tobacco product sales. The law does prohibit the sale of tobacco products outside of places defined by a joint order of the Ministers of Public Health and Commerce; however, no such order has been issued.
To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should prohibit internet tobacco product sales as internet sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.
Sale of smokeless tobacco products
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
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
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco inside of, and within a 300 meter radius of, educational and vocational institutions, whether public or private.
Playgrounds
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
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products within athletic facilities.
Healthcare facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco inside of, and within a 300 meter radius of, health care institutions.
Cultural facilities
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.
Office buildings
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products within public, semi-public or private office buildings.
Retail Package Size Restrictions
Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package
The law does not require a minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package.
To align with FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit the sale of small packets of cigarettes which increase the affordability to minors.
Minimum weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package
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
The law states that points of sale shall be defined by a joint administrative order of the Ministries of Public Health and Commerce. This order could potentially require a specific retail license to sell tobacco products. However, this joint order to date has not been issued. Therefore, a retail license is not required.
To align with FCTC Art. 15, the law should require retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.
